Guy Pearce is set to portray media mogul Rupert Murdoch in Danny Boyle’s upcoming film “Ink,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival this week. During a press conference, Pearce revealed that Murdoch has responded positively to the casting choice, though through an indirect channel. According to Pearce, Murdoch’s daughter Elisabeth conveyed her father’s approval, stating that he was pleased with the actor’s selection for the role.
“Ink” explores the 1969 period when Murdoch acquired the struggling Sun newspaper and appointed Larry Lamb as editor, with ambitions to challenge the Daily Mirror’s dominance. Screenwriter James Graham noted that Murdoch was familiar with the story, having attended stage productions of the play on which the film is based in both London’s West End and on Broadway. Graham indicated that Murdoch was particularly impressed by scenes depicting the physical process of newspaper production.
Director Boyle emphasized that the film takes a balanced approach to its subject matter, avoiding a purely negative portrayal of Murdoch. Instead, it presents him as a modernizing force in a rigid British society, while also exploring the darker aspects of both Murdoch and character Larry Lamb that were less visible in the theatrical version. The film marks Boyle’s inaugural appearance at Venice and will be distributed globally through theatrical release and Netflix.
Originally reported by Variety →
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