Parijat Ghosh 
John Carney is back, y’all. Guitar in hand and heart on sleeve with Power Ballad, a musical dramedy that already feels like a comfort-watch waiting to happen. After Once, Begin Again, Sing Street, and Flora and Son, the director returns to his signature style: real emotions wrapped in irresistible melodies. And the best part? The movie now has an officially confirmed release date. Let’s get into everything you need to know about Power Ballad.
Power Ballad Release Date Locked In
Lionsgate has officially dated Power Ballad for June 5, 2026.
Mark it. Highlight it. Tattoo it (okay maybe don’t). This is Carney’s first feature in years, and the studio is setting it up as a summer crowd-pleaser. The film is produced with backing from Likely Story, 30West, and Screen Ireland, and shot primarily in Dublin, keeping the warm, grounded Carney aesthetic alive.
What Power Ballad Is About
At its core, the film follows a battle of egos wrapped in friendship, nostalgia, and, of course, music. Rick (Paul Rudd) is a wedding singer whose glory days passed him by ages ago. He’s talented but stuck, still showing up to gigs where the aunties request Ed Sheeran and nobody listens to the lyrics.
Danny (Nick Jonas), meanwhile, is a faded pop idol. a former boy-band star. A guy who once lived on magazine covers and Spotify banners but is now painfully aware that the world has moved on. One night, their paths cross at a wedding gig. They jam. Sparks fly. Creativity ignites. And then Danny pulls the ultimate pop-star move: He records one of Rick’s songs, accidentally reigniting his own career… while leaving Rick in the shadows.
Suddenly, one man’s comeback becomes another man’s breakdown. The movie follows their messy, hilarious, emotional tug-of-war as Rick demands credit, Danny tries to hold onto his returned fame, and both realize that a hit song can either bond you or break you. It’s classic Carney: relatable, heartfelt, and soaked in the magic of music.
The Cast — A Fun, Unexpected Duo
The film has a diverse cast from popular singers and popular actors to John Carney regulars. Here, have a look.
- Paul Rudd as Rick: The charming, slightly-washed wedding singer who deserved more.
- Nick Jonas as Danny: The former boy-band heartthrob fighting irrelevance.
- Jack Reynor
- Havana Rose Liu
- Sophie Vavasseur
- Peter McDonald (who also co-wrote the film)
Carney always casts with intention, and this mix of youthful talent and seasoned stars hints at a dynamic, emotionally rich story.
This Film Already Feels Special
Carney’s musical films don’t just use songs as decoration. They build the story around them. Power Ballad dives into themes of creativity, recognition, friendship, jealousy, and the question every artist fears: What if someone else gets famous off your best work?
Expect sharp humor, vulnerable moments, and original music that hits straight in the chest. Also… Paul Rudd singing? Nick Jonas acting dramatic in a washed-up-boyband way? Jack Reynor returning for yet another collab with Carney? Yes, we’re eating well.
Power Ballad looks like a warm, funny, melodic gut-punch. The kind of movie you watch once and then carry in your playlist for weeks. With a great cast, Carney’s signature emotional storytelling, and a June 2026 release, this one is absolutely worth circling on your calendar.
If you have any questions regarding Power Ballad, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe, and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
