O'Connor Returns to Stage in Boxer Role
The actor stars in Clifford Odets' play, which moves to cinemas November 5 after a sold-out London run.
By Emmanuel Ellis ·
Josh O'Connor steps into the ring as a reluctant boxer in a new cinema release of Clifford Odets' play, Golden Boy. The production captures the actor's return to the London stage after a five-year absence spent building a global film career.
National Theatre Live will screen the filmed performance in theaters worldwide beginning November 5. Tickets for the event are currently available on the company's website. The work follows a sold-out run at the Almeida Theatre in London.
O'Connor portrays Joe Bonaparte, a young violinist who trades his musical future for fame in professional boxing. Director Sam Yates leads the stage production, which features a live string quartet. The cast includes Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays.
The first-look clip shows O'Connor hugging a past version of his character while bleeding from a boxing injury. This visual juxtaposition highlights the character's struggle between his artistic identity and his physical trade. The synopsis notes that Joe must decide what he is willing to sacrifice to find his place in the world.
O'Connor is known for his Emmy-winning role as King Charles in Netflix's The Crown. His recent film credits include La Chimera, Challengers, Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man, and Disclosure Day. The Golden Boy release marks his next on-screen appearance following that film schedule.
Source: Variety
