Production has started on a Hollywood film starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson based on real-life Milwaukee husband-and-wife Mike and Claire Sardina. For many years, the couple performed at Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest and more as the Neil Diamond/Patsy Cline/ABBA/Blondie tribute act “Lightning & Thunder.”

Their professional and personal story of love and music was first documented in “Song Sung Blue,” a documentary by Greg Kohs that came out in 2008. Now, Universal Pictures is taking the extraordinary love story to the next level.

Mike – aka “Lightning”  – passed away in 2006, but Claire – aka “Thunder” – is still very much alive and finding the Hollywood attention “so, so surreal.”

OnMilwaukee had the chance to chat with Claire and find out more about the film, her feelings about it and her relationship with Mike.

OnMilwaukee: When did you first find out a Hollywood movie about your life was in the works?

Claire: I was contacted during the pandemic, so 2020, maybe 2021. Greg Kohs, the director of the documentary, was the first person who told us it's going to happen. Craig Brewer, the director of the movie, contacted me too.

What was your reaction when you first heard this news?

I was like “get out of here. You have got to be kidding me.” It was such a surprise. My daughter, Rachel Cartwright, got involved as my spokesperson.

How have you been involved in the process so far?

There have been interviews. I’ve answered a lot of questions. I also read a script, but this was a while ago and I’m sure it’s been amended. The process has been slow. It went dormant for a while because of the strikes in Hollywood. But production started on Monday (Oct. 14). I do believe we will all have the opportunity to help advise them to help them portray the roles better. There is talk of us going (to Hollywood) to work with the actual cast. I’m wide open for that experience. Totally on board.

How do you feel about the choice of actors – Kate Hudson to play you and Hugh Jackman to play Lightning?

As for Hugh Jackman – it’s an extreme honor Mr. Wolverine himself is going to be playing Lightning. And I am honored to know that Kate Hudson is playing me. I’m not a spring chicken anymore, but people have been saying they can see a resemblance between us. Or maybe they’re just being nice. In any case, I think they did a really good job picking the actors.

Are you happy with the compensation so far?

Yes, I am. And there will be more.

Were you always a musical person?

When I was a baby, I’d rock back and forth to music while I was in my high chair. And always in rhythm. I was about three years old when I started singing. I was raised very strict Catholic, and I went to Messmer High School. I was in musicals, swing choir and in plays. Later in life, after high school, I took vocal lessons.

When did your relationship start with Lightning?

On April 11, 1989 we had our first business meeting at Ma Fischer’s. That’s when we started our business. We were married to other people when we first met. We were married at Wisconsin State Fair 1994 in front of huge number of people. The years with Lightning was never work. It was unadulterated fun and the most wonderful time of my life.

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Is it true you guys played with Pearl Jam?

Yes. In 1995 we performed “Forever in Blue Jeans” with Pearl Jam at the Marcus Amphitheater (American Family Stage). This really catapulted our business. We started getting so many gigs, many in Chicago.

In 1999, you lost your leg in a tragic accident. Can you share more about that?

I was in front of my house, doing some yard work. All the news stories say I was gardening, but I wasn’t actually gardening, just in my front yard. Our house was on East Howard and Clement. An 80-year-old man was driving, and he first hit a parked car and then pushed down on the accelerator instead of the brake and drove onto my lawn. There was no time to think. If you’ve heard of that slow motion thing where your life flashes before your eyes, it was kind of like that. After the crash, I was in shock. I couldn’t see anything but I could hear Lightning crying and the flight for life. I’m told that a woman came up and tied something around my leg, stopping the blood flow, or I wouldn’t be speaking to you right now. She literally saved my life. She’s an angel to me and it gave me the chance to raise my children and be with Lightning for more years.

How are you doing these days?

I can now dance after all these years and I can still sing. I sing karaoke and with bands and friends. I’m very proud of my achievements after all these years. I know he is with me.

Are you comfortable talking about Lightning’s passing?

Yes. It was in 2006. He got up from our bed and kind of lost his footing. He fell backwards and hit his head on a dresser drawer. He hit it with such force, he broke the drawer. I knew he needed to see a doctor, but he was a stubborn man and he refused. He didn’t want to cancel our gig in Madison. He sang “Sweet Caroline” during the 7th inning of the Madison Mallard’s baseball game, and on the way home, he started to feel nauseous and disoriented. We made it to the hospital. He had hemorrhaging in his brain and he never woke up. We kept him on life support until his daughter could make it to the hospital. I never got to say my goodbyes. He was my soulmate. The time we spent together – 17 years – it wasn’t enough for me. When I see couples together 50-plus years, I’m so envious. I wanted to be married to him for the rest of my lifetime.

Anything else for now?

I’m honored. I’m overwhelmed. I’m excited.

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more information about the upcoming film as it becomes available.