The ending of Zero to Hero (2024) offers its protagonist, Hero, that age-old dilemma — the chance to stay famous and continue his doppelganger’s career, or to choose love, honesty, and friendship. You won’t be surprised by which one he picks.
Zero to Hero tells the story of a rocker who dreams of performing for massive crowds. In the meantime, Hero and his best friend, Nelson, play at low-key prom nights and work shifts in a music shop. One thing Hero is always sick of hearing is how much he looks like the famous country singer, Sandro Sanderlei.
After Sandro’s penchant for alcoholic beverages lands him in a coma, Hero is offered the opportunity to take the star’s place on tour. At first, Hero is dismissive of country music and treats the impersonation gig with contempt. Soon enough, he starts enjoying his newfound fame and falls in love with his producer, Lulli, Sandro’s heartbroken ex.
Hero and Lulli spend the final night of their horseback trip on a farm. The two sit by a campfire with the farmers before going to sleep in a barn. It’s clear Lulli is starting to fall in love with “Sandro,” but she wants to avoid being heartbroken again. Hero tries explaining that it wasn’t him who cheated on her but stops short of revealing the truth.
The following day, Lulli asks one of the farmhands to drive Hero to the airport as she isn’t going with him to Sao Paolo for his next concert. When she checks her phone, Lulli is infuriated to see a meme from the previous show where Hero kissed a model and says she never wants to see him again.
Hero and Nelson Hug It Out
When Hero arrives at the venue, he finds Nelson and apologizes for losing his way in the glitz and glamor of celebrity. He confesses that it wasn’t fame he wanted, but to have people listen to his music and appreciate his work. The heartfelt exchange ends with the two friends hugging it out.
While Agnaldo is thrilled to hear that the real Sandro woke up from his coma, record label owner Jacques cares little for the country star’s health. Jacques wants Hero to take over Sandro’s career permanently. After all, Hero is more likable, more talented, and isn’t an alcoholic. The real Sandro would receive a payout to step away from public life while Hero would continue impersonating him indefinitely.
Hero Signs the Contract… Sort Of
Hero agrees to the terms of his contract and signs it despite Agnato begging him to reconsider. However, when confronted by his friends, Hero reveals he signed the contract in Sandro’s name, meaning he’s not bound to it.
He then puts a plan in motion to get back at Jacques that involves kidnapping poor Sandro from his hospital bed and bringing him to the concert venue. Agnaldo also invites the country’s biggest gossip reporter to attend and promises him an exclusive interview with Sandro.
Meanwhile, a heartbroken Lulli has a touching heart-to-heart with her dad who advises her to follow her heart. She agrees to attend Sandro’s concert with her dad and stepmom.
Hero Gets His Girl
On the night of the big show, Hero gets on stage, proclaims his love for Lulli, and sings a song he wrote for her. After his moment in the spotlight, Hero invites the real Sandro to take the stage. The two musicians hug and Sandro gifts Hero his guitar.
Back in the stalls, Jacques is beyond furious about the on-stage display and places all the blame on Lulli. She stops Jacques’s barrage of insults by kneeing him in the groin before running backstage to meet Hero.
Zero to Hero ends as any good rom-com should; the hero named Hero comes face to face with the girl of his dreams, and the two kiss and confess their love for one another while the side characters cheer them on from the sidelines.
Check out my in-depth thoughts on the movie overall in my Zero to Hero (2024) Review
