Filmmaker John Carney makes his return to the big screen with his new comedy-drama, "Power Ballad," starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. The film reflects Carney's passion for music and art through an original story. In an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Rudd and Jonas discussed the movie, their experiences working with Carney, and shared some memorable concert experiences.

In "Power Ballad," Paul Rudd plays Rick Power, a rock star whose career has faded, now fronting a cover band performing at weddings. Nick Jonas portrays Danny Wilson, a pop star whose own star is dimming. Their paths cross when Danny attends a wedding where Rick's band is playing. They quickly bond over their shared love for music during a late-night jam session. During this session, Rick shares a song he has been developing for years, which Danny subsequently steals and uses to revitalize his own career.

Both Rudd and Jonas praised John Carney's unique approach to filmmaking. Jonas described working with Carney as akin to "jamming with another musician," highlighting the ease and go-with-the-flow aspect of his direction, similar to a great songwriting session. Rudd noted Carney’s deep personal connection to music, observing that instruments are often present on set and Carney might occasionally pause to play piano or guitar. This ingrained musicality, Rudd suggests, allows Carney to use music effectively to deepen scenes and characters, making them more resonant and emotional.

The actors also reflected on their most memorable concert experiences. Nick Jonas recalled an "absolutely incredible show" by Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, noting it was one of Joel's record-setting performances there. He found it exhilarating to be among fans, hearing songs he had listened to his entire life.

Paul Rudd shared several impactful concert memories. He cited seeing Elvis Costello with the Brodsky Quartet, a limited-run show he attended upon the album's release, and experiencing Tom Waits for his "Mule Variations" tour, a long-held desire fulfilled. However, Rudd emphasized that seeing Paul McCartney perform a two or three-hour concert of Beatles songs in a New York bar during the week of SNL 50 was "life-changing" and left everyone present in tears, an experience he still finds hard to believe.

Additionally, Nick Jonas broke his silence regarding the possibility of portraying KISS frontman Paul Stanley in an as-yet-untitled biopic directed by McG. Jonas expressed his hope that the project "all comes together," stating, "what a dream it would be to play Paul Stanley in that movie." Rudd enthusiastically agreed, calling the prospect "fucking rad."

The interview also humorously touched upon the idea of Rudd and Jonas crashing a real wedding to perform as a promotional stunt for "Power Ballad," with Jonas suggesting it be an authentic experience at a real wedding in Vegas rather than a staged influencer event.

"Power Ballad" is now in select theaters and is set to expand nationwide on June 5.