Danny Boyle’s Ink Sets Netflix Release After Venice Premiere
Danny Boyle is turning the story of one of Britain’s most influential newspapers into his next major film, with Ink bringing together an impressive cast led by Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy.
Based on James Graham’s Tony-nominated play, Ink explores the turbulent rise of Rupert Murdoch and the transformation of The Sun during the late 1960s. O’Connell plays newspaper editor Larry Lamb, while Pearce portrays Murdoch and Foy stars as Jules Davies.
A Story About the Power of the Press
Set against the rapidly changing British media landscape, Ink follows the group of ambitious outsiders who helped reshape the newspaper industry. At the centre of the story is Murdoch’s 1969 acquisition of The Sun and his decision to bring Larry Lamb on board to transform the struggling publication.
What begins as an attempt to create a different kind of newspaper eventually becomes a much bigger story about influence, competition, sensational journalism and the enormous power that media can have over public opinion.
The film is particularly intriguing because it looks at the origins of a media empire that would eventually become one of the most powerful forces in modern journalism.
Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy Lead the Cast
Jack O’Connell takes on the role of Larry Lamb, the editor who played a crucial part in turning The Sun into a major tabloid force. Guy Pearce steps into the role of Rupert Murdoch, while Claire Foy appears as Jules Davies.
The combination of Boyle behind the camera and this trio in front of it makes Ink one of the more interesting upcoming dramas to watch, particularly for audiences drawn to films based on real events.
From Stage to Screen
Graham’s original Ink play premiered in London in 2017 before making its way to Broadway, where it earned multiple Tony Awards. Graham has now adapted his own material for the film, allowing Boyle to bring the story to a much larger cinematic canvas.
Rather than simply presenting a conventional biopic, the movie looks poised to explore the personalities, ambitions and decisions behind the creation of a media powerhouse.
Netflix Release Plans
Ink is scheduled to open the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026, where it will premiere in competition.
Netflix has acquired the film’s North American and Latin American rights. According to the newly announced release plan, Ink will arrive in select theaters on December 11, 2026, before making its Netflix debut on January 8, 2027, in the United States and Latin America.
That release strategy also positions the movie firmly in the awards-season conversation, giving Boyle’s latest project a significant festival launch before its streaming debut.
Why Ink Could Be One to Watch
There is plenty that makes Ink stand out. It combines a true story involving one of the world’s most recognizable media figures with a filmmaker known for energetic, distinctive storytelling.
The movie also arrives at a particularly relevant moment. With newspapers, television and digital platforms continuing to shape political and cultural conversations, a story about the origins of modern tabloid power could feel surprisingly contemporary despite being set more than five decades ago.
With its Venice premiere, high-profile cast and Netflix backing, Ink is shaping up to be one of Danny Boyle’s most intriguing upcoming projects—and potentially one of the major films to keep an eye on during the 2026–27 awards season.
Geeksterr Verdict: Ink has all the ingredients of a compelling media drama: a fascinating real-world story, a celebrated filmmaker, an acclaimed source material and a powerhouse cast. If Boyle can capture the same energy that made Graham’s stage production so acclaimed, this could become one of the most talked-about films of the upcoming awards season.
