Paul Rudd Says 'Cool' Costar Nick Jonas 'Knocked Me Out' With His Acting Skills

The promotional rollout for John Carney’s highly anticipated musical comedy Power Ballad is heating up, and the mutual respect between its two lead powerhouses is taking center stage. In a newly published exclusive interview, Hollywood staple Paul Rudd opened up about sharing the screen with pop star Nick Jonas, admitting that the musician's nuance and depth as a dramatic actor completely caught him off guard during production.

What Actually Happened

Speaking exclusively with People Magazine ahead of the film's upcoming theatrical release, Paul Rudd heavily gushed over Nick Jonas's performance in Power Ballad. Rudd confessed that while he already respected Jonas as an entertainer, watching his subtle character work on set and seeing the final cut of the film truly blew him away. "When I saw the movie, it was like, 'Oh my God.' There were scenes that I wasn't there to film, and yeah, he knocked me out," Rudd stated, adding that Jonas "just plays everything cool because he is cool."

The Real Story: Breaking Down their On-Screen Rivalry

This high-profile praise highlights the shifting expectations around musicians transitioning into serious cinematic actors, a path Jonas has been navigating with increasingly grounded choices.

The Subtle Depth Behind the Eyes

In Power Ballad, Rudd plays Rick Power, a past-his-prime, struggling wedding singer who crosses paths with Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas), a fading former boy-band star. After bonding during a late-night jam session at an Irish wedding, a fierce rivalry erupts when Danny steals Rick's song idea and turns it into a massive, chart-topping number-one hit.

Rudd noted that the true brilliance of Jonas’s performance lies in the moments of unsaid tension required for such a morally gray character. "I can't say that I was surprised because I've seen him act, but he did things that were kind of so subtle and really deft, the stuff that was going on behind his eyes," Rudd explained. "He'd be going through these dilemmas, and he's not saying anything, but you can read his mind. It's such good acting, and I was just amazed at some of the stuff he was doing."

Why This Matters for the Box Office and the Film's Lineup

The roaring chemistry and high praise between the duo serve as a perfect launching pad for the film's upcoming commercial rollout.

• The John Carney Magic: Directed and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker John Carney—the creative force behind iconic, music-driven masterpieces like Once, Begin Again, and Sing Street—the project already carries immense prestige. Proving that the central dynamic between the leads is anchored by heavy dramatic weight, rather than cheap comedic bits, positions Power Ballad as a potential breakout summer hit.

• The Festival Momentum: Following a triumphant world premiere as the Closing Night Gala at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) on March 1, 2026, and a high-energy North American showcase at SXSW, the film has earned an impressive 88% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Quick Facts

• Release Date: May 29, 2026 (Select theaters; expanding nationwide on June 5, 2026)

• Platform: Theatrical Release (Distributed by Lionsgate)

• Director: John Carney

• Runtime: 98 minutes

• Cast: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Havana Rose Liu, Jack Reynor, Peter McDonald

• Status: Upcoming [Opening Next Week]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plot of Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas's new movie Power Ballad?

The film follows a past-his-prime wedding singer (Paul Rudd) who forms an unlikely friendship with a fading pop star (Nick Jonas). Their bond turns into a fierce, hilarious rivalry after Jonas's character steals their shared song and turns it into a global hit.

Who directed the movie Power Ballad?

The musical comedy-drama was directed and co-written by John Carney, the celebrated Irish filmmaker renowned for directing Once, Begin Again, and Sing Street.

Where was Power Ballad filmed?

Principal photography for the Lionsgate production took place entirely on location across scenic areas of Dublin, Ireland, starting in May 2024.

When does the movie release in theaters globally?

Power Ballad is scheduled for a simultaneous theatrical rollout in select theaters across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland on May 29, 2026, followed by a wide theatrical expansion on June 5, 2026.