Controversy Surrounds Hugh Jackman’s New Movie, Song Sung Blue
Hugh Jackman’s latest film, Song Sung Blue, has sparked controversy due to its portrayal of a Neil Diamond tribute performer, Mike Sardina, and his family. The movie, which premiered on December 11, 2025, has been criticized by Mike Sardina’s son, Michael Sardina Jr., who claims that the film’s depiction of his late father and stepmother, Claire Sardina, is inaccurate and disrespectful.
According to an interview with the Daily Mail, Michael Sardina Jr. expressed his strong disapproval of the film, stating that his father would have been upset by the portrayal. He also alleged that he and his sister, Angelina Sardina, received a relatively small payment for their involvement as consultants on the film, despite their significant connection to the story. Sardina Jr. claimed that his role in his father’s life was intentionally excluded from the movie, and that he had no communication with the cast, including Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, during production.
A Family’s Disapproval
Although Michael Sardina Jr. and his sister were invited to attend the film’s New York City premiere, he was critical of the film’s stars for excluding him from the narrative during interviews. He described the cast as “monsters” and argued that his relationship with his father was significant and should have been included in the movie. In contrast, Claire Sardina has spoken positively about the film and Hudson’s portrayal of her, citing a 2008 documentary about the couple as an influence on the actor’s performance.
Michael Sardina Jr. has stated that he intends to tell the full and accurate story of his family to the public and hold NBCUniversal and those involved in the film accountable for what he perceives as unfair treatment. The controversy surrounding Song Sung Blue has raised questions about the accuracy and respectfulness of biographical films and the importance of involving the families and individuals depicted in the storytelling process.
Movie Details
Song Sung Blue is currently playing in theaters, with a release date of December 25, 2025. The film has a runtime of 133 minutes and was directed and written by Craig Brewer. The producers of the movie include Greg Kohs, John Davis, and John Fox. The film’s poster, which features Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina, can be seen below.
As the controversy surrounding Song Sung Blue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the film will be received by audiences and whether the criticisms levied by Michael Sardina Jr. will have an impact on the movie’s success.
