Nick Jonas on Playing a ‘Loose Version’ of Himself in John Carney’s ‘Power Ballad’ and the Lasting Success of His Disney ‘Graduating Class’

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for behind-the-scenes stories and a soft spot for artists who bring their real-life experiences to the big screen, I must admit that Nick Jonas‘ journey in Hollywood is nothing short of intriguing. His role in “Power Ballad” as Danny Wilson, a rock star grappling with the challenges of solo stardom, seems like a fitting next step for an artist who has walked the same path.

As I pen this critique, I find myself in the midst of the Red Sea Film Festival, where my remarkable spouse, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is poised to receive an accolade at the festival’s conclusion. However, only recently have I stepped away from Dublin, where I was engrossed in John Carney’s “Power Ballad,” sharing the screen with the inimitable Paul Rudd. This intriguing endeavor, a tale spinning around a contentious clash between a rock star and a wedding singer, has granted me an opportunity to delve into my personal musical background while crafting the character of Danny Wilson.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always admired Carney’s work, and two years back, I received an email that set my heart racing – the director was assembling a film, and I was being considered for a role! The anticipation was unbearable. Fast forward a year and a half, John invited me for a Zoom call, and our connection was instantaneous.

Jonas states that the character “Power Ballad” rock star in fiction bears some resemblance to him personally. As he explains, “Danny is an individual who emerged from a band and is now embarking on a solo career, similar to my own transition.” Fortunately, he had plenty of real-life experiences to draw upon for this role.

He explains that he’s managed to avoid many difficulties because he’s been closely connected with his family. Having a reliable, long-standing support network has been crucial in keeping him relatively unaffected. He’s noticed the challenges faced by some of his peers over time and has learned from those experiences.

As a movie enthusiast, I don’t find it daunting to navigate the fine line between the personal and the fabricated so closely. In fact, I consider myself “an individual striving diligently to maintain a secluded existence within an open limelight.

Over the past 15 years, the rise of social media has left me grappling with the urge to reveal more aspects of my personal life online. The challenge lies in striking a balance: revealing enough to engage my audience and foster a connection with my fans, yet not so much that I feel like I’m performing for the world to see.

Discussing the limelight lifestyle, Jonas combined the fame of the Jonas Brothers with the fervor of Bollywood similar to Beatlemania when he married Indian megastar Priyanka Chopra in 2018. As a public figure, he emphasizes, it’s crucial to consider how you wield these instruments that can make an expansive world seem smaller.

He notes that his audience in India has dramatically increased through Instagram over the past couple of years, and this connection to that region of the world was something he lacked before. Now, this connection has expanded into music, films, and the art he’s encountered.

Later in the afternoon, allow me to share some insights into my remarkable journey, particularly focusing on my time at Disney and the enduring accomplishments of my contemporaries – such as Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. As a fellow traveler on this cinematic road, I’ve been delighted to learn about Selena’s first Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Emilia Pérez”, which I consider a truly fantastic achievement. It speaks volumes about Disney’s knack for discovering and nurturing talent, as well as their uncanny ability to recognize each artist’s individuality while integrating it seamlessly into their creative universe.

He stated, “Disney feels like a creative institution I attended. To be truthful, I was there from 14 to 18 years old, which corresponds to my high school years. That graduating class, comprising Miley, Selena, and Demi, we were all growing together. It’s evident when you look at the longevity of our careers and the success we’ve achieved.

Despite the massive fame Nick Jonas gained from Disney and the band, it wasn’t always advantageous. When the Jonas Brothers disbanded in 2013, Nick ventured into films and television, but encountered numerous closed doors. Initially, when he requested to audition for “Kingdom” in 2014, his agent informed him that the show creators “had no intention of considering a Jonas Brother for the role.

He noted that it wasn’t the first occasion when he received such feedback. In fact, there had been instances where, upon pursuing certain projects, he faced criticism like, “The odds of them taking a risk on casting you were virtually nonexistent.” This was certainly disheartening for him.

Excitedly moving on, I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming return to Broadway in 2025, sharing the stage with the exceptional Adrienne Warren in “The Last Five Years,” a production by Jason Robert Brown. This will be my first non-Brothers project on Broadway in twelve years! One of the aspects I’m most eager for is being immersed in a community filled with people who share my deep love for theater. That’s one of the joys of this art form – you truly connect with your kindred spirits.

He mentioned that assuming the role of Jamie in the renowned musical carries a touch of pressure. However, the anxious feelings, the ones that make your stomach flutter like butterflies, are thrilling for him. For a week now, he’s been back in New York, collaborating on the material with Jason, who is an absolute joy to work with and meticulous about every detail, almost like a surgeon with each note. Once you grasp all the complexities of his work, it only makes the experience of playing in that creative space even more enjoyable for him.

2024-12-12 12:46

Nick Jonas on Playing a ‘Loose Version’ of Himself in John Carney’s ‘Power Ballad’ and the Lasting Success of His Disney ‘Graduating Class’

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