SXSW 2026 | Power Ballad North American Premiere

Some stories hit different when they're set to music — and Power Ballad arrives at SXSW 2026 with both the melody and the meaning to make it one of the most talked-about films of the festival.

Directed by John Carney — the visionary behind Once and Sing Street — Power Ballad follows Rick Power (Paul Rudd), a wedding band singer who stumbles into a late-night jam session with former boy band star Danny (Nick Jonas) and reignites his passion for songwriting. But Danny leaves not only with newfound motivation — he lifts one of Rick's songs, turns it into a No. 1 hit, and claims it as his own.

The U.S. premiere took place March 14 at The Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, with the full cast in attendance — including Rudd, Jonas, Peter McDonald, and director Carney himself.

The film explores themes of chasing dreams, the ethics of creative ownership, balancing family and ambition, and the identity crisis that comes when you reach a crossroads and question your worth — all wrapped in a soundtrack that made the SXSW crowd feel every note.

Carney brings his trademark earnest charm to a story that also carries a sharp-edged weariness about the music industry's increasingly cutthroat reality — a balance that makes Power Ballad feel both warm and honest.

The film is set to hit theaters nationwide on June 5, courtesy of Lionsgate