In the first look at John Carney’s Power Ballad, Nick Jonas steps into the role of a former boy band member chasing solo stardom opposite Paul Rudd, with a story built on a stolen song, a long rivalry, and a musical clash between eras.
Nick Jonas is showing off a different side of the “heart and soul” department as the first look at Power Ballad lands ahead of the film’s rollout.
The project pairs Jonas with Paul Rudd, who stars as Rick Power, a wedding singer. Jonas plays Danny Wilson, a washed-up former boy band member trying to make a solo comeback—an old-star premise, but with musical stakes that kick into gear fast.
John Carney directs Power Ballad. The filmmaker is behind Once. 2013’s Begin Again. and the cult favorite Sing Street—meaning this one comes with a pedigree for turning songs into storytelling. Power Ballad also arrives as a true “let the music carry it” follow-up to the kind of moviegoer buzz Rudd has been racking up lately through a steady run of standout roles.
The movie’s synopsis lays out the engine of the plot: Rick Power. a wedding singer. meets washed-up former boy band singer Danny Wilson at a wedding one night and bonds with him over a jam session. After that jam session, Danny steals one of Rick’s songs. The stolen tune becomes a number one hit that drags Danny back into popularity. That turnaround is exactly what sets Rick on a collision course with revenge—and with the recognition he feels he’s owed.
Power Ballad is also built around a bigger musical tension between the music of yesteryear and the music of today, paired with sharp differences in attitude between the two men at the center of the story. Those themes are part of why the film is already earning rave reviews.
In addition to Jonas and Rudd. Power Ballad features an eye-catching ensemble cast that includes Beth Fallon and Marcella Plunkett. alongside Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms. Lurker). Jack Reynor (Midsommar. Lee Cronin’s The Mummy). Peter McDonald (The Batman. Saipan). Sophie Vavasseur (Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Flora and Son). and also Nick Jonas ahead of the return of Camp Rock.
The first look is being shared as part of Collider’s Exclusive Summer Preview Event. with the film set for a May 29. 2026 limited release before expanding wide on June 5. 2026. Power Ballad runs 98 minutes, with John Carney directing. The film is written by Peter McDonald and John Carney. and produced by Anthony Bregman. John Carney. Peter Cron. Rebecca O’Flanagan. and Robert Walpole.
Nick Jonas Paul Rudd Power Ballad John Carney first look musical comedy Camp Rock movie preview May 29 2026 June 5 2026