Movies May 19, 2026
Paul Rudd on Pulling Nick Jonas into ‘Avengers’ World: 'Talk to Downey' (Exclusive)
David Cleary/Lionsgate
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are dishing to "Extra" on their new musical-comedy drama “Power Ballad.”
Paul plays Rick, a wedding singer who bonds with Jonas’ Danny, a fading boy-band star — until Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career.
Paul spoke about having jitters to perform in front of real-life professional singer Nick.
He shared, "I was really happy he was there because he kind of provided the authenticity, and he was really sweet, honestly, to me and like made me feel comfortable"
Rudd recalled, "Our first scene that we do in the movie where we’re getting to know each other is the first thing we filmed. And because that was, could be a really, kind of, stressful environment and scene to kind of start off, it actually was really easy, due in large part to him, that it made the rest of the shoot easier, probably gave me a little bit more confidence than I would have had."
Nick also raved about Paul, saying, “Obviously, I know he’s an incredible actor and one of the best, but to see him just jump into the music stuff with such ease was incredible.”
Paul encouraged Nick to improv for the film.
Along with calling it a “dream come to true to get to work alongside Paul,” Nick shared, “The improv stuff was kind of natural for both of us because, you know, it was just an easy, low-key environment on set. It didn't feel too stressful."
Paul added, “There were certain sections, where I think it actually called for improvisation. You don’t want to just improvise stuff. The script was pretty rock solid. But when you’re kind of creating something or coming up with something and bouncing off of each other a little bit, if you’re being hit by the inspiration, it’s nice that there’s something organic happening and maybe some back and forth that isn’t planned, and we both kind of just jumped right into that."
Could the guys take their act on the road in real life?
They both jokingly answered, “Probably.”
Paul said, “It’s a little tricky with our schedules, but I’m now the bonus Jonas and I can’t wait to get out on the road."
"Now, on the bus, do we each have like sleeping quarters with the curtain and it's like you wake up in Akron?" Paul asked Nick. "I've seen a lot of docs, lotta documentaries about bands."
Plus, we had to ask Paul if he might pull Nick into the “Avengers” world.
Paul answered, “I have so little pull when it comes to those kind of decisions. Talk to [Robert] Downey [Jr.], he’ll get you in."
“Power Ballad” is in select theaters May 29 and everywhere June 5.