Overview
- Hugh Jackman portrays Milwaukee musician Mike Sardina and calls the film a love letter to Sardina and to Neil Diamond.
- Kate Hudson earns strong notices as Claire Stengl, with a San Francisco Chronicle review praising her vocals and performance.
- Director Craig Brewer frames the true story of Lightning & Thunder with sincere, music-driven storytelling drawn from Diamond’s songbook.
- After filming, Jackman visited Neil Diamond at his Colorado home for a karaoke session the singer led with his son Jesse.
- The cast includes Ella Anderson as Rachel, who describes the project as a tribute to perseverance, following an AFI Fest premiere audience reception.