If you’ve ever found yourself weeping into a tiny bag of pretzels while watching a movie at 30,000 feet, congratulations: you have something in common with a Jonas Brother. During a recent 92NY interview in New York City, Nick Jonas got surprisingly vulnerable about his emotional triggers. While he’s currently promoting his gritty new musical drama, the conversation took a turn toward the house of mouse. It turns out, Nick Jonas The Lion King connection is the most relatable thing about him right now, especially as he navigates life as a girl dad.
The "Jealous" singer sat down on May 18 at the 92nd Street Y alongside his Power Ballad co-star Paul Rudd and director John Carney. While the panel, moderated by Josh Horowitz, was meant to dive into the technicalities of his latest film, the focus quickly shifted to fatherhood. When asked which stories hit him the hardest, Jonas didn't hesitate to name the 1994 Disney masterpiece that has traumatized generations of children—and now, apparently, one very famous father.
What movie makes Nick Jonas cry?
Nick Jonas revealed during a 92NY panel that the Disney classic 'The Lion King' always makes him cry, especially when watching it with his 4-year-old daughter, Malti Marie. He noted that revisiting the stories that shaped his childhood through his daughter's eyes has made the experience deeply emotional, particularly the themes of family and legacy.
Watching Nick Jonas The Lion King Connection Through Malti’s Eyes
There is a specific kind of "nostalgia parenting" that happens when you reach the age where your own childhood favorites become your child’s new obsession. For Nick, watching Malti Marie Jonas (who is now 4 years old) experience the Pride Lands for the first time has completely recontextualized the film. It’s no longer just about a catchy soundtrack; it’s about the heavy weight of the Mufasa death scene and the circle of life.
"There’s something really special about getting to share the stories that shaped me with her now," Jonas shared during the panel. He noted that "reading" these experiences through her reactions makes the emotional beats land differently than they did when he was a boy band star at the height of the Disney Channel era. Real talk: when you’re a father, the "Remember who you are" scene hits like a freight train.
His wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas—whom he married in a series of lavish ceremonies in 2018—has been vocal about Nick’s emotional fatherhood journey. In a recent chat with Vogue Arabia, she described him as an incredibly "hands-on" parent. She even shared a story about Nick taking over "silly hair day" duties at school, successfully (if a bit messily) crafting "the cutest lopsided pigtails" for Malti. Whether it's doing hair or crying over Simba, Nick is clearly leaning into the dad era.
The Power Ballad Deep Dive: Danny Wilson vs. Rick
While the Disney talk is sweet, the 92NY event was primarily a look at Nick Jonas Power Ballad, a film that promises to be a major departure for the actor. Set for a staggered release on May 29 and June 5, 2026, the movie explores the ego-driven world of the music industry. Nick plays Danny Wilson, a young, hungry pop star who is looking for his next big hit. His path crosses with Rick (played by Paul Rudd), a wedding singer whose best days are arguably behind him.
The conflict kicks off after a late-night jam session where the two bond over music. The catch? Danny ends up taking a song from Rick and turning it into a massive, career-reviving hit. This leads to a high-stakes battle for credit and artistic integrity. Interestingly, Jonas revealed that there are two specific scenes in the film that he isn't even in that make him cry. He attributed this to the "powerful stuff" regarding family themes that director John Carney wove into the script. It seems the "dad emotions" are following him from the living room to the film set.
From Camp Rock to Disney Legend
It’s impossible to talk about Nick’s connection to Disney without acknowledging the full-circle moment happening in 2026. Nick, along with brothers Joe and Kevin, is set to be formally inducted at the Disney Legend induction ceremony. This honor is reserved for individuals who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy—a journey that started for Nick with Camp Rock and Jonas L.A.
The significance of becoming a Disney Legend while simultaneously raising a daughter on Disney movies isn't lost on him. He’s gone from being the face of the network to a father curated by its stories. This transition from "Disney child star" to "Disney Legend" mirrors the very themes of legacy found in The Lion King. He’s no longer just the prince; he’s the one passing down the kingdom’s stories.
Malti Marie’s World: Croissants and "Love Me To Heaven"
While Nick is busy with press tours, Malti Marie is living her best life. Priyanka recently shared that during the filming of her upcoming 2025 movie Heads of State in Provence, France, Malti’s daily routine involved morning trips to local bakeries with her grandmother. The toddler would reportedly return with fresh croissants, proving she already has elite taste.
As for her taste in music? While she’s a fan of the classics, she’s also getting an early preview of her dad’s new work. The Power Ballad soundtrack is expected to feature a standout track titled "Love Me To Heaven," which has already become a household favorite. Whether Nick will perform these songs live on a solo tour remains one of the big unanswered questions for fans, but the buzz is definitely building.
What’s Next: A Holiday Horror Twist?
If you thought Nick was sticking strictly to musicals and Disney vibes, think again. The smartest person in the group chat knows that Jonas is also eyeing a pivot into the holiday horror movie genre. While details are still being kept under wraps, it signals a desire to keep his filmography as eclectic as possible. Between the emotional weight of Power Ballad and the potential for a festive slasher, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of Nick Jonas.
Key Takeaways
- The Cry Factor: Nick Jonas admits that The Lion King is the one movie that always makes him emotional, especially when watching with his daughter.
- Power Ballad Plot: The film features a rivalry between Danny Wilson (Jonas) and Rick (Paul Rudd) over a stolen song, directed by John Carney.
- Malti Marie: Now 4 years old, Malti is the primary reason Nick is revisiting childhood classics; she also loves bakery runs in France.
- Disney Legend: The Jonas Brothers are being inducted as Disney Legends in 2026, marking a massive career milestone.
- Relatability: Nick confessed to being a "plane crier," admitting that movies just hit harder when you're in the air.
Ultimately, Nick Jonas is proving that you can be a global superstar, a Disney Legend, and a gritty actor, but at the end of the day, you’re still just a dad who gets choked up when Simba tries to wake up Mufasa. It’s the kind of humanizing moment that reminds us why we’ve stayed tuned into his career for over fifteen years. As he moves into this new chapter of "nostalgia parenting," we expect a lot more tears—and hopefully, a lot more great music.
