Guy PearceAside from his bold zombie films,28 Days Laterand its sequel28 Years Later, as well as adaptations such asTrainspotting,Danny Boylehas also become well known as a filmmaker who brings true stories to life in an incredible and cinematic fashion. Whether it was the filmSteve Jobs, which provided insight into the titular individual, or the survival thriller127 Hours, starring James Franco, Boyle has thrived by drawing on real-life experiences and transforming them into narrative features. Now, thanks to a new exclusive report fromDeadline, it seems that Boyle has set his sights on his next true story to direct.
Deadline states that Boyle is set to directInk, a movie produced by Studiocanal, Media Res, and House Productions, that revolvesaround the rise of the Rupert Murdoch empire. For those unaware, Murdoch is a media mogul who serves as chairman emeritus of both Fox Corporation and News Corp, and has also held executive positions at these companies. Having established a vast global media empire that includes newspapers, film, and television, it’s no wonder that Boyle would want to tell Murdoch’s story, especially since it all started with Murdoch inheriting a single newspaper in Australia from his father.
The movie is described in the report as “an explosive cinematic rollercoaster about a group of visionaries and misfits who had anidea for a new kind of news— one that would give the people what they want and would change the face of the world we live in today.” The screenplay forInkis set to be written by James Graham, who penned the original screenplay on which the movie is based.Inkis also aiming to have an October production start date, with two actors already in early discussions for key characters in the film.
‘Ink’ is Danny Boyle’s Latest True-Story Adaptation
Oscar nomineeGuy Pearce, who recently made waves for his performance as Harrison Lee Van Buren in Brady Corbet’sThe Brutalist, is in talks to play Murdoch, whileSinnersstar Jack O’Connellis in discussion to play Larry Lamb, the man whom Murdoch hired to run The Sun when it was purchased in 1969. O’Connell recently worked with Danny Boyle in a brief cameo role at the end of28 Years Later, in which the actor played Jimmy, and will have a much more expanded role in theNia DaCosta sequel28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
This won’t be the only reunion for Boyle on this production, as Ink is set to be produced by Tessa Ross and Michael Ellenberg. Ross had previously collaborated as a producer with Boyle on his filmSlumdog Millionaire. Given the large impact that Murdoch has had on the state of news reporting and journalism today,Inkis sure to be a provocative and biting commentary on the media mogul’s rise to power and how sensationalism in the news has become as prevalent as it has today. While there is the previously mentioned October start date for shooting, there is no confirmed release date for the movie.
