Native Dub John Carney’s latest musical comedy looks set to be another smash hit, and its biggest star has spoken about what attracted him to the project. Was it the director’s previous films? The possibility of award success? Maybe it was the chance to work with young, hot stars like Nick Jonas. According to Paul Rudd, though, it was the chance to work in Dublin.
Rudd, the star of blockbuster hits like Ant-Man, The Avengers series, and Ghostbusters, is a known Hibernophile. The actor from New Jersey has spoken lovingly about our island and – in particular – our capital city. Having filmed here earlier in his career, the 57-year-old said it was the chance to spend time working in our Fair City that caught his attention.
In an interview with RTÉ, Rudd explained, “I loved the idea of being able to work in Ireland, which I have done previously, but never for this good, long stretch of time.” So what is it about Ireland that seems to be drawing more and more celebrities to declare their love for the island we call home?
Ireland at the Centre of an Entertainment Ecosystem
We are used to hearing about visitors’ love of both Ireland and Dublin itself. As you walk along Dame Street and start bumping into tourists idling in Temple Bar, the conversation will often turn to the beauty of the country and its history. However, it appears that this love of Ireland has spread among creatives in a big way, regardless of medium.
For example, one area in which Ireland’s cultural influence is growing is casino gaming. Look at an online casino, where there are large collections of table games and video slots, and you will notice something. Ireland features heavily. Titles like Irish Love and Irish Frenzy are often at the top of the lists of the most popular slots.
That’s just a small part of this newfound love for Ireland, too. Fontaines D.C. mania has stretched well beyond these shores, and Kneecap are selling out venues the world over, while their eponymous movie was shortlisted for an Academy Award. It is clear that the creative industries have a keen eye on this part of the world, especially Hollywood.
Rudd Not the Only Big Hollywood Name to Espouse Love for Ireland
While Paul Rudd may be one of the biggest movie stars around, he is not the only big-name actor to claim love for our home in the last year. Adam Scott, star of the hit Apple TV drama Severance, recently filmed in Cork for Damian McCarthy’s latest horror venture, Hokum. The Corkman landed a coup with Scott, but it was clear that the American was just as happy to be cast.
While on the promotional trail, the Step Brothers actor described West Cork as “the most beautiful place in the world”. While, in Dublin, we would point him towards a trip on the DART down to Greystones on a sunny day, it is hard to disagree that it is a stunning part of our country. Scott would go on to say that Ireland is a “place to go, and a place to stay”.
Then, there is Matt Damon, who was famously seen on the Dublin coast with his SuperValu bag when he was here filming for Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel. Despite visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Damon would claim that he and his family would all be coming back after it passed, declaring his love for South Dublin in the process.
A Chance to See Dublin on the Big Screen Once Again
Reviews for Power Ballad already appear to be extremely positive. Carney looks set to add yet another classic to his repertoire, and another set in Dublin, after Once and Sing Street. Seeing Dundrum Town Centre and Crumlin on the big screen may be a little unusual for some, but it will surely be fun to go location spotting.
Power Ballad was released in Irish cinemas on May 29 and is in theatres across the country. It has been given 4 stars by both the Irish Times and RTÉ, so it looks like it could be the feel-good hit of the summer. Who thought Dublin would be the setting for a big summer hit?
