The real-life son of the character played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the film Song Sung Blue called the actors “monsters” and criticised the film for what he calls “lies”.
The romantic drama stars Jackman and Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder and became noted for being booked alongside popular acts such as Pearl Jam.
Although Mike passed away in 2006, Claire has given her full backing to the movie. However, in a new interview with the Daily Mail (via People), the couple’s son, Michael Sardina Jr., said his father would be “rolling in his grave” over his portrayal.
“Everybody thinks it’s such a wonderful film, it’s so touching. It’s all lies,” he said. “And it steals all the hard work that my father put in his entire life.”
He also alleges he was “purposely cut out of the film” despite claiming to be paid to be a consultant on the project alongside his sister Angelina (who is played by King Princess in the movie).
“Every interview that those monsters have been on national television don’t even mention my existence at all, even though I was the most prevalent force in my father’s life, even when I wasn’t in Wisconsin, because I’m his only son,” he said. “They didn’t even try to contact me . . . They didn’t try to get more information… They could have very easily asked [director] Craig [Brewer].”
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Angelina would tell the outlet: “The only thing that was true is the love between my dad and Claire. It’s a beautiful story, but that’s not how it went down. And I guess that’s what’s upsetting because it’s a lie.”
Neither Jackman, Hudson, or the film’s producers have commented on the claims.
Song Sung Blue was released in cinemas on Christmas Day in the US, and New Year’s Day in the UK.
Last summer, Hugh Jackman was due to headline a huge London BST Hyde Park show, but had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.