Lionsgate has acquired John Carney's new film Power Ballad starring Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas and Jack Reynor, which recently wrapped shooting in Dublin.
The studio will release the film theatrically in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Carney's previous film Flora and Son received a limited theatrical release before debuting on Apple TV+, who acquired that film at Sundance Film Festival 2023. It was nominated for five IFTA Awards this year, including Best Film and Best Director.
Power Ballad is described as an “uplifting and music-driven story,” and follows a washed up wedding singer (Rudd) and a younger musician (Jonas) — "and the song that comes between them". Jack Reynor also stars, after appearing in Carney's Sing Street, Flora and Son and an episode of his Prime Video series Modern Love.
John Carney said: “I am so delighted this film, which has been in my heart for so long, has found its home. Musically themed films are meant to be watched together, and what better studio than Lionsgate to bring this movie to the world in the way it was intended: with a crowd, in the dark, next to strangers who, for a few hours, become friends.”
Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson added “I’ve always been a huge fan of John’s movies, and I’ve had my eye on this particular film for some time. It combines the best of John’s immense creative talents with a marketable concept and an incredible cast. I couldn’t be happier that he and the rest of the team have entrusted us with it.”
Power Ballad was written by Carney and Peter McDonald (The Stag). It was produced by Carney, Robert Walpole and Rebecca O'Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment, and Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron for Likely Story. Walpole, O'Flanagan, Bregman and Cron were also producers on Flora and Son
It was financed by 30 West, which launched domestic sales with WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group. WME Independent presented the project to buyers in Cannes.
Lionsgate also recently acquired Small Things Like These starring Cillian Murphy, which was produced through Murphy and Alan Moloney's new Big Things Films, and will release that film theatrically later in 2024. Matt Damon, Catherine Magee, Jeff Robinov and Drew Vinton are also producers on Small Things Like These. Lionsgate have made further headlines lately as they will also release the high profile Megalopolis in September, Francis Ford Coppola's self-financed epic which they acquired following its Cannes premiere.
Power Ballad does not yet have a confirmed Irish release date.
