John Carney’s Power Ballad Acquired by Lionsgate
Lionsgate has acquired Power Ballad, the upcoming film from John Carney (Sing Street, Once) starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, for release in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland. Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, made the announcement.
Power Ballad, which recently finished shooting in Dublin, focuses on a talented but past-his-prime wedding singer (Rudd) and a young rockstar (Jonas) who uses the wedding singer’s songwriting prowess to revitalize his own career.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of John’s movies, and I’ve had my eye on this particular film for some time,” said Fogelson. “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.”
“I am so delighted this film, which has been in my heart for so long, has found its home,” said Carney. “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.”
The film is directed by Carney and written by Carney and Peter McDonald. Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron are producing the film through their Likely Story banner, alongside Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment and Carney; the same production team recently produced Carney’s most recent film, Flora and Son, which was picked up by Apple TV+.
30WEST financed the film alongside Screen Ireland and is an executive producer.
The film was acquired by Charlotte Koh and Lauren Bixby for Lionsgate; the studio’s Kaycee Holcomb oversaw negotiations for Business Affairs. 30WEST, WME Independent, and UTA Independent Film Group represented the domestic sales on the title, with WME Independent handling the international rights.
Lighthouse Management & Media, UTA, and Jackoway Austen represent Paul Rudd. Philymack, UTA, and Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar & Karalian, LLP rep Nick Jonas.
