Danny Boyle’s new film Ink opens the Venice Film Festival. The biopic will screen on 2 September in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido. Opening night at Venice is a coveted slot that places the film at the centre of the festival’s programme, offering immediate exposure to a global audience of critics, industry professionals and cinema lovers. The historic Sala Grande, with its ornate interior, has long hosted the festival’s most high‑profile premieres.
Jack O'Connell leads the cast as The Sun newspaper editor Larry Lamb, while Guy Pearce portrays media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Claire Foy appears as Jules Davies. The trio joins a supporting ensemble that brings the story of the influential newspaper empire to life. O'Connell’s portrayal of the outspoken editor promises a dynamic performance, Pearce’s turn as Murdoch adds gravitas, and Foy’s role as Davies provides a nuanced perspective within the narrative. The characters reflect real‑life figures who shaped the media landscape, adding depth to the biopic’s dramatic arc.
Boyle directs the feature from a screenplay by James Graham, whose play Dear England earned a Tony nomination. Graham’s theatrical background shapes the film’s structure, blending dialogue‑driven scenes with cinematic scope. Production is overseen by Tessa Ross, noted for Conclave, and Michael Ellenberg, known for The Morning Show, with Tracey Seaward of The Two Popes also on board. Executive producers include Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, Tonia Davis, Zoe Edwards, James Graham and Sudie Smyth, reuniting Boyle with Ross after their work on Slumdog Millionaire. The assembly of seasoned producers and a distinguished cast underscores the ambition behind Ink, positioning it as a high‑profile entry in this year’s festival line‑up.
By opening Venice, the film gains a platform that often signals awards‑season momentum, while also highlighting Boyle’s continued interest in biographical storytelling. Audiences can expect a blend of historical insight and dramatic flair as the film examines the rise of one of the world’s most prominent media figures.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ink film premiere at Venice Film Festival? The Ink film premieres on 2 September at Venice’s historic Sala Grande, opening the festival.
Who stars in the Ink film biopic? Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce, and Claire Foy lead the cast as Larry Lamb, Rupert Murdoch, and Jules Davies in Ink film.
Who directed the Ink film? Danny Boyle directs the Ink film, adapting James Graham’s screenplay about Rupert Murdoch’s media rise.
Why is Ink film opening Venice Film Festival? Opening Venice grants Ink film global exposure, often signaling awards-season momentum for high-profile projects.
Which real-life figures does Ink film portray? Ink film dramatizes the rise of Rupert Murdoch, The Sun’s editor Larry Lamb, and Jules Davies.
