Kate Hudson is choosing to focus on the positive reception from the person she portrayed, rather than engaging with scathing criticism from the son of a late musician featured in her new film. The actor, nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance, found herself at the centre of a family dispute following the release of the musical biopic "Song Sung Blue."
A Golden Globe Nomination Amidst Family Strife
Hudson earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for her role as Claire Sardina, one half of the real-life 1990s Neil Diamond tribute duo Lightning and Thunder. The film, written and directed by Craig Brewer, co-stars Hugh Jackman as Claire's husband, Mike Sardina. However, just days after the movie hit theaters last month, Michael Sardina Jr.—the adult son of Mike Sardina—launched a public attack, calling Hudson and Jackman "monsters" and suggesting his late father would be "rolling in his grave."
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Thursday, Hudson offered a brief, diplomatic response when asked about the son's comments. "Honestly, I don’t even know," she stated. "Out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it." She pivoted to praise the real Claire Sardina, with whom she developed a relationship: "I’m so happy that I got to know Claire, who’s such a wonderful woman, and she’s so happy with the movie."
Contrasting Reactions from the Sardina Family
The film is based on a 2008 documentary of the same name, released two years after Mike Sardina's death at age 55. While Michael Sardina Jr. and his sister, Angelina Sardina, were brought on as consultants for the biopic, only Angelina's character is portrayed in the final film (by King Princess). Michael Sardina Jr. is not referenced.
Speaking to the Daily Mail last month, Michael Sardina Jr. argued the movie "completely destroyed the one thing my father worked his entire life to pass on — his legacy." He expressed anger that interviews with the stars did not mention him, despite being his father's "only son," and noted he was considering legal action.
This stance sharply contrasts with that of his stepmother, Claire Sardina. She appeared alongside Hudson and Jackman at the New York premiere on December 11 and has publicly endorsed the project. When asked by "Inside Edition" how her late husband might view the film, she responded optimistically: "His dream, initially, was, 'We’re going to go to Vegas, baby, someday.' Well, that didn’t happen. But this is just as good."
Navigating the Complexities of a True Story
The situation highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike when adapting real-life stories, especially when family members have conflicting perspectives on a legacy. While one faction of the Sardina family feels betrayed and erased, the person at the heart of Hudson's portrayal has celebrated the film's release. Hudson's response indicates a conscious decision to honour her direct source and the creative team behind the project, leaving the familial discord for others to dissect.
As "Song Sung Blue" continues its theatrical run, the divergent reactions within the Sardina family remain a poignant subplot to the on-screen drama.
