Kate Hudson isn't just making a comeback; she’s basically living a second life on screen right now. If you've been tracking the new movie Kate Hudson just dropped in, you’re likely looking at Song Sung Blue. It isn't your typical shiny Hollywood musical. It’s gritty. It’s set in Milwaukee. Honestly, it’s a bit of a heartbreaker.
Released on Christmas Day 2025 by Focus Features, Song Sung Blue stars Hudson alongside Hugh Jackman. They play Claire and Mike Sardina. Most people haven't heard of them, but in the world of Neil Diamond tribute acts, they were legends known as "Lightning & Thunder." This isn't a glossy "Almost Famous" rehash. It’s a raw look at a couple trying to make it in the Midwest while life keeps throwing punches.
Why Song Sung Blue is the New Movie Kate Hudson Fans Needed
The movie is directed by Craig Brewer. You might know him from Hustle & Flow or Dolemite Is My Name. He has this specific way of filming "working-class" stories without making them feel like a caricature. He took the cast on a literal tour across the American heartland to promote it. We’re talking stops at custard shops in Wisconsin. That's not a normal press junket.
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Hudson plays Claire Stengl (later Sardina), a hairdresser who thinks she’s meant for something bigger. She meets Mike (Jackman) and they start this Neil Diamond cover band. It sounds funny, maybe even campy, but the film is heavy. It's based on a 2008 documentary, and if you've seen that, you know it doesn't end with everyone smiling in a mansion.
The Controversy You Might Have Missed
Just recently, around mid-January 2026, things got a little messy. Mike Sardina’s son actually came out and called the biopic "monstrous." That’s a heavy word. He felt the portrayal of his parents didn't capture the truth. Kate Hudson actually had to break her silence on this just a couple of days ago. She defended the film, saying they tried to bring "dignity" to the art of imitation. It's a classic Hollywood vs. Reality standoff.
Not Just One Movie: The Kate Hudson Expansion
If you aren't into the musical drama vibe, you probably saw her in Shell. That one came out in October 2025. It’s a black comedy body horror directed by Max Minghella.
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Imagine a world where you can get a genetic procedure to stay young forever. Hudson plays Zoe Shannon, a wellness mogul who is definitely hiding something gross. It’s very The Substance meets Death Becomes Her. Elisabeth Moss is the lead, but Hudson is the "unhinged" villain we’ve been waiting for.
Then there is Running Point. Technically, it’s a TV show on Netflix, but it’s basically a 10-episode movie in terms of production value. Mindy Kaling created it. Hudson plays Isla Gordon, who has to take over the Los Angeles Waves (a fake pro basketball team) because her brother is a mess. It premiered in early 2025 and was so huge it already got a Season 2 renewal. They even just added Ray Romano and Ken Marino to the cast for the next batch of episodes.
Breaking Down the Recent Hits
- Song Sung Blue (2025): A musical biopic. It’s earned Hudson Golden Globe and SAG nominations.
- Shell (2025): Satirical horror. Hudson plays a "wellness" villain.
- Running Point (2025-2026): Netflix comedy series. She’s the president of a basketball team.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Current Career
People keep calling this a "renaissance." Kinda implies she went away. She didn't. She was just waiting for roles that weren't "quirky blonde in a rom-com."
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In Song Sung Blue, she’s singing live. It’s not dubbed. She released her own album (Glorious) recently, so she’s actually a musician now. Critics from The Washington Post said you’d be forgiven for thinking the movie is a Neil Diamond biopic because the performances are so immersive. But it’s really a movie about the fans and the dreamers.
The budget was about $30 million. It’s made roughly $42 million so far, which isn't a blockbuster number, but for a R-rated drama released against Avatar 3, it’s actually holding its own. People are showing up for the chemistry between her and Jackman.
What to Do if You Want to Watch
If you're looking to catch up on the new movie Kate Hudson is currently dominating the headlines with, here is the move:
- Check your local theater for Song Sung Blue. It’s still in its theatrical window as of January 2026. If you can't find it, it should be hitting VOD (Video on Demand) within the next few weeks through Focus Features.
- Stream Running Point on Netflix. If you missed Season 1, binge it now. Season 2 is currently filming and will likely drop late 2026.
- Find Shell on Digital. It’s available to rent or buy on most platforms like Amazon or Apple. It's the perfect "late-night weird movie" pick.
- Listen to the Soundtrack. The Song Sung Blue versions of "Sweet Caroline" and "Cherry, Cherry" are actually on Spotify. Hudson's vocals are surprisingly soulful.
Keep an eye on the awards circuit. Hudson is a frontrunner for Best Actress at several upcoming shows. Whether the real family likes the movie or not, the industry is obsessed with it.