British actor Jack O'Connell is being praised as a rising star in the film industry after his role in the upcoming movie Ink, directed by Danny Boyle. The film is based on a 2017 West End play by James Graham and is set in 1969 on Fleet Street, the historic heart of British journalism. It follows the rise of media mogul Rupert Murdoch (played by Guy Pearce) as he acquires The Sun newspaper, aiming to make it the best-selling paper in the UK with the help of editor Larry Lamb, portrayed by O'Connell. Danny Boyle, known for his dynamic storytelling, had previously worked with O'Connell on the 28 Days Later film series, where O'Connell played a chilling character inspired by the real-life figure Jimmy Savile. Boyle believes O'Connell has a rare talent for embodying complex, dark characters, comparing his performance to Al Pacino’s iconic role in The Godfather: Part II. Boyle said O'Connell has the ability to take audiences into morally ambiguous or unsettling places, making him ideal for the role of Larry Lamb, a journalist known for his tough and uncompromising nature. To prepare for his role, O'Connell immersed himself in the history of Fleet Street during the late 1960s. He studied materials from the British Library and spoke with former journalists who worked in the area at the time. He described the environment as intensely competitive and often brutal, with places like "The Stab," a pub nicknamed for the violent disputes that occurred among reporters. This research helped O'Connell bring authenticity to his portrayal of a journalist navigating a cutthroat industry. Rupert Murdoch, now 95, has been involved with the project, having seen the original play in both London and New York. He was particularly impressed by a scene depicting the physicality of newspaper production, including the heat and grime of the printing press. Despite his age, Murdoch remains chairman emeritus of News Corp, the media giant that owns The Sun and other major publications. The film also features Claire Foy as Jules Davies, a composite character representing the female journalists of the era, alongside a supporting cast that includes Bertie Carvel, Blake Harrison, and Georgie Henley. Ink is set to premiere in UK cinemas on January 8, 2027, offering a historical look at the origins of one of the world’s most influential media empires.