Story perspectives

Power Ballad Explores Ambition: Rudd vs. Jonas Showdown

3/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Director John Carney's Power Ballad pairs Paul Rudd as Rick, a struggling wedding singer, with Nick Jonas as Danny, fading boy band star, whose partnership turns sour when Danny turns Rick's song into a hit.
The film explores ambition, self-respect, and friendship as the dispute over recognition unfolds.
It premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival and will screen at SXSW before a June 5 release.
The cast includes Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, and Havana Rose Liu.

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Story summary

Director John Carney's Power Ballad pairs Paul Rudd as Rick, a struggling wedding singer, with Nick Jonas as Danny, fading boy band star, whose partnership turns sour when Danny turns Rick's song into a hit.
The film explores ambition, self-respect, and friendship as the dispute over recognition unfolds.
It premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival and will screen at SXSW before a June 5 release.
The cast includes Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, and Havana Rose Liu.