Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Just Gave SXSW a Very Loud New Reason to Pay Attention

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas on the red carpet at the “Power Ballad” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the Paramount Theatre on March 14, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Aaron Rogosin/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)

Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas brought major star appeal to SXSW with the premiere of Power Ballad.

SXSW got an extra jolt of star power when Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas rolled out their new music comedy Power Ballad. The project already had curiosity on its side, but the premiere pushed it firmly onto the must-watch radar.

According to Variety, Variety reports that Rudd and Jonas premiered John Carney’s music-themed comedy Power Ballad at SXSW, giving the festival one of its more high-wattage celebrity moments. With Carney behind the film and two recognizable stars up front, the title is quickly becoming part of the festival conversation.