Power Ballad: A Feel-Good Story About Music, Ambition, and Finding Your Voice

Nick Jonas as Danny and Paul Rudd as Rick in “Power Ballad”. Photo Credit: David Cleary © 2026 Lionsgate

Music has always had the power to bring people together, but it can also expose the complicated emotions behind creativity, success, and recognition. The upcoming musical comedy Power Ballad explores those themes through humor, heart, and a soundtrack driven by passion.

Directed by John Carney, known for beloved music-driven films like Sing Street and Once, Power Ballad tells the story of two musicians from very different stages of their careers who find themselves unexpectedly connected through a song.

At the center of the film is Rick, played by Paul Rudd, a once-promising wedding singer who feels his musical dreams slipping away. Rick spends his days performing for other people’s celebrations, quietly carrying the weight of what could have been. His life takes a surprising turn when he meets Danny, a fading boy-band star played by Nick Jonas, who is searching for a way to reignite his own stalled career.

The two musicians bond during a gig and share a late-night jam session that sparks something special. But when Danny transforms one of Rick’s original songs into a massive hit—one that suddenly revives his own fame—Rick is left watching his music soar without the recognition he believes he deserves.

What follows is a journey driven by pride, ambition, and the complicated emotions that come with creative ownership. Rick sets out to reclaim his place in the spotlight, even if it means risking friendships and the fragile balance of the life he has built.

Blending comedy, music, and emotional storytelling, Power Ballad explores questions many artists face: Who truly owns a song? What does recognition mean? And how far should someone go to reclaim credit for their work?

The film also features a strong supporting cast including Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu, and Jack Reynor, bringing additional layers of humor, heart, and personality to the story.

Power Ballad is written by John Carney and Peter McDonald, and produced by Anthony Bregman, John Carney, Peter Cron, Rebecca O’Flanagan, and Robert Walpole. The film is presented by Lionsgate, in association with 30WEST and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, and produced by Likely Story and Distressed Films in association with Treasure Entertainment.

Known for creating films that celebrate the emotional connection between music and everyday life, Carney once again delivers a story that feels both intimate and uplifting. With its blend of catchy music, heartfelt storytelling, and comedic tension, Power Ballad promises to be a film that resonates with anyone who has ever chased a dream—or wondered what happens when someone else reaches it first.

At its core, Power Ballad is more than a story about fame. It’s about friendship, self-respect, and the delicate balance between ambition and integrity—reminding audiences that sometimes the most powerful songs are the ones that reveal the truth about who we are.