Danny Boyle’s ‘Ink’ Set to Open Venice Film Festival, Telling the Story of Rupert Murdoch’s Media Rise

Danny Boyle will bring his latest film, Ink, to one of cinema’s most prestigious stages. The acclaimed filmmaker’s biographical drama will open the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026, marking Boyle’s first time opening the festival despite attending it many times throughout his career.

The festival has also selected Ink to compete for the coveted Golden Lion, placing the film among the year’s most anticipated awards contenders.

Ink tells the story of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of The Sun newspaper in 1969 and examines how the deal transformed British tabloid journalism. The film follows Murdoch and editor Larry Lamb as they reshaped the newspaper industry and laid the foundation for today’s media landscape.

Reflecting on the project, Boyle said:

“Long before Fox News, clickbait and social media, these men created a newspaper that challenged the establishment and reshaped modern journalism.”

Playwright James Graham adapted Ink from his acclaimed 2017 stage play of the same name, which earned Tony Awards and widespread critical praise in London and on Broadway.

Graham began writing the story years before Brexit and Donald Trump’s rise to power changed the global political landscape. Through the screenplay, he examines how Murdoch and Larry Lamb revolutionized tabloid journalism and expanded the influence of mass media.

Guy Pearce stars as Rupert Murdoch, while Jack O’Connell portrays legendary newspaper editor Larry Lamb. Claire Foy joins the cast in a supporting role.

The film also reunites Boyle with O’Connell after the pair previously collaborated on the 28 Years Later franchise.

By choosing Ink as its opening-night film, the Venice Film Festival has immediately positioned the drama as a serious international awards contender. Festival organizers will announce the full competition lineup in the coming days, but the opening slot already signals strong confidence in Boyle’s historical political drama.

After the success of his recent zombie thriller, Boyle now turns his focus to the origins of one of the world’s most influential media empires. Through Ink, he explores the lasting impact of media power on politics and public opinion—a subject that remains as relevant today as ever.

With its acclaimed source material, award-winning director, and powerhouse cast, Ink is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched films of the 2026 festival and awards season.