Song Sung Blue Sparks Sardina Family Fury
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are facing public criticism after the real-life son of the main character in their new film, Song Sung Blue, accused the production of misrepresenting his father’s legacy and excluding him from the story.
The upcoming movie stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, a real-life couple who performed as a Neil Diamond tribute act. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is based on a 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs and centers on the couple’s love story and music career.
However, Mike Sardina Jr., the late Mike Sardina’s son, has strongly condemned the film in an interview with the Daily Mail. He claimed the movie erased his role in his father’s life and distorted the truth.
“My father’s rolling in his grave right now,” Mike Jr., 41, said, adding that the film “completely destroyed the one thing my father worked his entire life to pass on — his legacy.”
Mike Sardina died in 2006 at the age of 55. According to his son, he was deliberately left out of the movie and received only $30,000 to serve as a consultant, a figure he described as “pathetic.”
Mike Jr.’s sister, Angelina Sardina, echoed those concerns. Angelina—who is portrayed in the film by musician King Princess—said she had no contact with the actor playing her and was paid the same consulting fee.
Both siblings also stated they were never contacted by Jackman, Hudson, or other cast members during production.
“They didn’t even try to contact me,” Mike Jr. said. “They didn’t try to get more information. They could have very easily asked Craig [Brewer].”
Despite the controversy, Mike Jr. and Angelina attended the film’s New York City premiere on December 11. Claire Sardina and her two daughters from a previous relationship—both portrayed in the film—were also present. Mike Jr. claimed that he personally introduced himself to Hudson at the event after being warned to keep distance from the stars and reporters.
After seeing the finished movie, the siblings said they were deeply dissatisfied with how their father’s life was depicted.
“The only thing that was true is the love between my dad and Claire,” Angelina said.
Mike Jr. has since stated he is considering legal action against the production companies involved, including NBCUniversal.
“I want the true story out there, with truth and dignity,” he said. “I want retribution—not just for me, but for my father and my sister.”
Representatives for Jackman and Hudson have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Song Sung Blue is scheduled for release in 2025 and continues to generate debate over creative license, biographical accuracy, and the treatment of real-life families in Hollywood storytelling.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Face Backlash From Real-Life Son Over ‘Song Sung Blue’ Biopic
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are facing public criticism after the real-life son of the main character in their new film, Song Sung Blue, accused the production of misrepresenting his father’s legacy and excluding him from the story.
The upcoming movie stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, a real-life couple who performed as a Neil Diamond tribute act. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film is based on a 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs and centers on the couple’s love story and music career.
However, Mike Sardina Jr., the late Mike Sardina’s son, has strongly condemned the film in an interview with the Daily Mail. He claimed the movie erased his role in his father’s life and distorted the truth.
“My father’s rolling in his grave right now,” Mike Jr., 41, said, adding that the film “completely destroyed the one thing my father worked his entire life to pass on — his legacy.”
Mike Sardina died in 2006 at the age of 55. According to his son, he was deliberately left out of the movie and received only $30,000 to serve as a consultant, a figure he described as “pathetic.”
Mike Jr.’s sister, Angelina Sardina, echoed those concerns. Angelina—who is portrayed in the film by musician King Princess—said she had no contact with the actor playing her and was paid the same consulting fee.
Both siblings also stated they were never contacted by Jackman, Hudson, or other cast members during production.
“They didn’t even try to contact me,” Mike Jr. said. “They didn’t try to get more information. They could have very easily asked Craig [Brewer].”
Despite the controversy, Mike Jr. and Angelina attended the film’s New York City premiere on December 11. Claire Sardina and her two daughters from a previous relationship—both portrayed in the film—were also present. Mike Jr. claimed that he personally introduced himself to Hudson at the event after being warned to keep distance from the stars and reporters.
After seeing the finished movie, the siblings said they were deeply dissatisfied with how their father’s life was depicted.
“The only thing that was true is the love between my dad and Claire,” Angelina said.
Mike Jr. has since stated he is considering legal action against the production companies involved, including NBCUniversal.
“I want the true story out there, with truth and dignity,” he said. “I want retribution—not just for me, but for my father and my sister.”
Representatives for Jackman and Hudson have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Song Sung Blue is scheduled for release in 2025 and continues to generate debate over creative license, biographical accuracy, and the treatment of real-life families in Hollywood storytelling.
