Josh O'Connor has been mentioned in talk about the next James Bond, but his next screen appearance is a recording of his latest stage role. National Theatre Live is releasing a filmed version of "Golden Boy" in cinemas starting Nov. 5.
The production played to sold-out houses at London's Almeida Theatre. It is based on the acclaimed play by Clifford Odets and was directed by Sam Yates.
O'Connor plays Joe Bonaparte, described in the official synopsis as "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." The synopsis adds that 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."
An exclusive first-look clip shows the character's struggle with his wish to go back to music. In it, O'Connor embraces an earlier version of himself playing the violin while his face bleeds from a boxing injury.
The footage was captured during a live performance at the Almeida Theatre. Alongside O'Connor, the cast includes Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays, and a live string quartet performs in the production.
The play marked O'Connor's first return to the London stage in five years. In that period he has become internationally famous. He won an Emmy for playing King Charles in Netflix's "The Crown," and has drawn praise for film work including "La Chimera," Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers," "Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man" and Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day."
"Golden Boy" will screen in theaters around the world from Nov. 5. Tickets are already on sale through the National Theatre Live website.
