Josh O’Connor may be part of the James Bond conversation, but his next on-screen role is a filmed version of his most recent stage play, “Golden Boy.”
Following a sold-out run at London’s Almeida Theatre, National Theatre Live is bringing “Golden Boy” to cinemas beginning November 5. In Clifford Odets’ acclaimed drama—directed by Sam Yates—O’Connor stars as Joe Bonaparte, “a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing,” according to the synopsis. “He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.”
In the exclusive first-look clip above, O’Connor artfully grapples with his longing to return to music, embracing a past version of himself playing the violin while his face bears the marks of a boxing injury. Filmed during a performance at the Almeida Theatre, “Golden Boy” features a live string quartet alongside O’Connor and fellow cast members Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays.
“Golden Boy” marks O’Connor’s return to the London stage after five years, a period in which he has risen to worldwide fame. He is an Emmy winner for his portrayal of King Charles in Netflix’s “The Crown,” and has earned acclaim for film roles including “La Chimera,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” “Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man” and Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.”
“Golden Boy” arrives in theaters worldwide starting November 5. Tickets are on sale now on National Theatre Live’s website.