Hugh Jackman made 'Song Sung Blue' as a 'love letter' to Neil Diamond

• Hugh Jackman stars as Neil Diamond "interpreter" Mike Sardina in "Song Sung Blue."
• The Neil Diamond-inspired movie, which tells the story of the duo Lightning & Thunder, arrives in theaters Christmas Day.
• The movie is based on a documentary about the couple and co-stars Kate Hudson.

Hugh Jackman has literally done "The Greatest Showman," playing a singing version of ringmaster P.T. Barnum in the 2017 movie musical, as well as playing Aussie variety show king Peter Allen to Tony Award acclaim in Broadway's "The Boy From Oz."

But Jackman, 57, has never entered the Neil Diamond universe until "Song Sung Blue," the ba-ba-ba movie musical depicting the improbable rise of middle-aged Diamond “interpreter” Mike Sardina. Struggling musician Sardina, who died in 2006, became a ’90s sensation in the greater Milwaukee area with his wife, Claire (played by Kate Hudson), performing as the duo Lightning & Thunder.

"Mike Sardina wanted to take the essence of Neil without impersonating him. It's very cool, but very different from how I sing," Jackman says. "This movie is a love letter to Mike, and a love letter to Neil Diamond, whose songs were Mike's lifeline."

Here’s how Jackman got to touching you, touching me in the Diamond-inspired movie in theaters on Christmas Day.

Hugh Jackman was schooled in Neil Diamond music

Growing up in Sydney, Jackman was still part of the Neil Diamond global empire.

"In the '70s, you couldn't ride your bike down the street without hearing 'Hot August Night,' " says Jackman of Diamond's hit 1972 live album. "I knew Neil Diamond's music. Australia is one of his biggest fan territories."

The actor fell fully in love when he steeped himself in the singer's deep songbook, required prep for the 13 movie musical numbers. "That was my only music when we were filming last year," he says.

Diamond is in his top 10 list of all-time performers because of the "Sweet Caroline" singer's infectious appeal and presence.

"He's not just one of the greatest songwriters of all time; he really connects to audiences. You love the music, and he makes everyone feel like he's singing just to them. That's a rare quality."

The star was inspired by the real-life Lightning & Thunder story

Writer and director Craig Brewer has been obsessed with Lightning & Thunder since watching the 2008 documentary "Song Sung Blue" by director Greg Kohs, which followed the Sardinas for eight roller-coaster years. That struggling-musician story hooked Jackman as much as the music did.

"I loved the documentary and the story so much that I had to make this, even though it took us four years," Jackman says. "It's this love story of two struggling artists with massive, maybe naive dreams who just wouldn't give up, no matter what life threw at them. They stuck to each other and their dreams."

The costumes were Neil Diamond, by way of Lightning

Jackman wore two versions of Neil Diamond wigs as Sardina honed in on his hair look for the act. The Wolverine-esque sideburns in some iterations were all Jackman's.

Costume-wise, the Sardinas couldn't reach the true opulence of Diamond's legendary concert apparel but brought plenty of bling for their buck.

"Their costumes are homespun, and that shows. I love that," Jackman says. "They didn't have a lot of money, so they'd dig these costumes up from all over the place."

Hugh Jackman relished rocking Mike Sardina's tighty-whities

Sardina has a memorable scene in the documentary, walking around his house in his underpants. Jackman wears the snug briefs twice onscreen, including during a private living room concert that would make "Risky Business"- era Tom Cruise blush.

"There's something about Mike, who doesn't have an embarrassed bone in his body," Jackman says. "I love that about him."

Jackman also lacks the embarrassed bone and had no problem shooting the comically revealing scenes in unflattering black socks.

"I'm not that shy. If you're in theater, you've got to be comfortable being naked, or almost-naked in the wings. I was laughing, the crew was laughing. It was pretty great."

Hugh Jackman nixed putting on weight for health reasons

Coming off his 2024 Marvel caper "Deadpool & Wolverine" with Ryan Reynolds, Jackman was in superhero shape before playing Sardina, who carried a more common middle-aged physique. The actor nixed packing on the pounds for the part.

"I've done that before. But I'm 57 years old, I don't think my heart is going to be happy with me putting on 50 pounds. I said to Craig, can't we just hide me? Because I don't want to do that to my body."

Hugh Jackman visited Neil Diamond and let the legend pick the karaoke songs

After filming, Jackman took up Diamond's invitation to visit the 84-year-old singer's Colorado home. Diamond, who retired from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2018, suggested the karaoke session with his son Jesse and Jackman. The legendary singer picked the songs.

"You don't go to the Diamond house and suggest what everyone's going to sing," says Jackman, who sang along with Diamond's classic "Sweet Caroline" and Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love."

"I was fully aware of what was happening and made sure someone was filming, even though I can't stand listening to myself sing," said Jackman, who posted portions of their sing-along on Instagram. "That was a pinch-yourself moment for sure."