Filmmaker John Carney is back with Power Ballad, a comedy-drama that blends his signature love for music with a fresh story about second chances. In a recent chat with Collider, stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas dished on everything from outrageous promo ideas to the magic of working with Carney—and Jonas finally broke his silence on playing KISS frontman Paul Stanley.
In Power Ballad, Rudd plays Rick Power, a former rock star now stuck in a cover band playing weddings. Jonas is Danny Wilson, a pop star whose fame is fading. When Danny stumbles into one of Rick's wedding gigs, the two hit it off, bonding over music during a late-night jam. Rick shares a song he's been nursing for years, and Danny—well, he steals it to reboot his own career. It's a tale of friendship, betrayal, and the messy business of making art.
Crashing a Real Wedding? The Stars Are Game
When asked if they'd ever crash a real wedding to promote the film, both actors lit up. Jonas laughed, "We've thought about it. Might be making plans. It would be a great bit of promo. Why the hell not? Let's do it." Rudd chimed in, insisting it has to be authentic—no influencers, just a genuine Vegas wedding. "The only way to do it is to do it real," he said. The duo seems ready to turn promo into a memorable stunt.
Favorite Concerts: From Billy Joel to Paul McCartney
Music is at the heart of Power Ballad, so the conversation naturally turned to unforgettable live shows. Jonas recalled seeing Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden a few years back: "It was absolutely incredible. So many hits. Being among the fans, hearing songs I've listened to my whole life—it was exhilarating." Rudd shared a few of his own, including Elvis Costello with the Brodsky Quartet and Tom Waits for Mule Variations. But his top pick? Paul McCartney's intimate three-show run at the Bowery Ballroom during SNL 50. "To see Paul McCartney play Beatles songs in a bar for two or three hours—life-changing. Everyone was crying."
John Carney's Secret Sauce: Directing Like a Musician
Both actors praised Carney's unique approach on set. Jonas compared it to jamming with another musician: "He's a musician, and there's an ease to his process. When something's not right, he takes time to readjust. It feels like you're just jamming with him." Rudd added that Carney often has instruments around—sometimes strumming a guitar behind video village or stopping to play piano. "Music is in the marrow of his bones. He knows how to use it to deepen a scene or character."
Nick Jonas Breaks Silence on Playing Paul Stanley
When asked about the rumored biopic where he'd play KISS frontman Paul Stanley, directed by McG, Jonas was cautiously optimistic. "I hope it all comes together. I love the script and McG. A lot of pieces have to come together, but what a dream it would be to play Paul Stanley." Rudd, ever the hype man, simply said, "That would be fucking rad." Jonas laughed in agreement.
Power Ballad is in select theaters now and expands nationwide on June 5. For more on the film, check out our earlier coverage of Nick Jonas Strikes a Chord in First 'Power Ballad' Image.
