Moviegoers are proving that they still have a soft spot for a “good-time” story. As we move through the first month of 2026, the biographical musical drama Song Sung Blue is carving out a steady path at the box office. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as the real-life Milwaukee couple who formed the Neil Diamond tribute band “Lightning and Thunder,” the film is successfully translating high audience praise into solid theatrical endurance.
In its third weekend of release, Song Sung Blue pulled in $3 million domestically. While this represents a 49% drop from the previous weekend, such a hold is considered respectable for a mid-budget adult drama during the post-holiday January lull. It brings the film’s domestic total to $31.1 million, showing that word-of-mouth is effectively keeping the “Sweet Caroline” spirit alive in theaters across North America.
Financially, the film is entering an interesting phase. With a production budget of $30 million, the project has officially crossed its initial cost hurdle with a worldwide gross of $40.7 million. While theatrical releases often need to double or triple their budget to account for marketing and theater cuts, the film’s trajectory is promising. Its success is a testament to the “counter-programming” strategy—offering a heartfelt, human-centric story amidst a season usually dominated by big-budget blockbusters and action sequels.
What the numbers don’t fully capture is the emotional resonance the film has found. Despite a mixed reception from some critics, the audience scores have remained exceptionally high. The film captures the gritty but hopeful reality of Mike and Claire Sardina’s lives, blending musical performances with a story of resilience that clearly strikes a chord with viewers. As it continues its international rollout, Song Sung Blue looks set to be one of the more profitable and beloved “small” stories of the year.
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