**New Film ‘Ink’ Charts Rise of Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun**
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A compelling new biographical drama titled ‘Ink’, directed by the acclaimed Danny Boyle, tells the story of Rupert Murdoch’s transformation of The Sun newspaper into a sensational tabloid powerhouse in late 1960s London. Scheduled to hit UK cinemas on 11 December 2026, the film will also be available for streaming on Netflix from 8 January 2027.
Based on the award-winning play by James Graham, ‘Ink’ is an exploration of ambition, controversy, and the ethos of the newspaper industry during a pivotal time. The film is set against the creative chaos of Fleet Street, where Murdoch purchased the struggling publication and set out to dramatically reshape its identity.
Guy Pearce portrays Rupert Murdoch, the Australian media mogul who took ownership of The Sun during a challenging period. Jack O’Connell stars as Larry Lamb, the unconventional editor Murdoch appoints to spearhead the paper’s transformation. Claire Foy plays the fictional role of Jules Davies, a composite character representing the female journalists who contributed to The Sun’s rise in the era.
The recently released trailer showcases a newsroom bustling with energy as the team contemplates what will make their newspaper stand out in an overcrowded market. The dialogue reveals a blend of irreverence and ambition as Lamb prompts his colleagues to think about their readers’ desires. “What really gets you going? What floats your boat?” he asks, to which the answers range from “smoking and drinking” to “murders and violence”.
As the crew develops their strategy, their ambition quickly becomes evident. Larry states the new mission—“We want our readers to feel alive when they reach for their paper in the morning.” However, this seemingly innocent goal quickly escalates into a more aggressive pursuit for capturing public attention through audacious content.
The trailer presents Murdoch’s fervent vision of revolutionising the newspaper landscape. “Great Britain is crying out for something here — something dangerous, something fun!” he exclaims in a moment of fervour while seated at a dinner table. His determination sets the tone for the fast-paced, often chaotic world that ‘Ink’ intends to portray.
As Murdoch and Lamb recruit an eclectic mix of reporters, they dive headfirst into sensationalism and controversy, pushing the boundaries of journalistic ethics. The film illustrates a newsroom that embraces gossip, scandal, and celebrity, all in an effort to feed the public’s insatiable appetite for thrilling stories.
However, as the paper’s reach expands, so do the ethical dilemmas faced by its journalists. Foy’s character, Jules, offers cautionary advice, stating, “Just because you can make something public doesn’t mean you should,” signalling the moral struggles posed by the changing landscape of journalism.
Directed by Boyle—a two-time Academy Award winner known for films like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’—’Ink’ promises an engaging portrayal of a significant chapter in British media history. James Graham has adapted his theatre hit for the screen, ensuring that the rich narrative and character depth remain intact.
With its world premiere set for 2 September at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, anticipation is building for this exploration of how ethical boundaries blurred as The Sun rose to prominence. The film not only promises to entertain but also poses thought-provoking questions about the cost of sensational journalism.
As audiences await the theatrical release and subsequent streaming availability, ‘Ink’ is poised to be a significant cultural offering, inviting viewers to reflect on the role of media in society and the often tumultuous journey of a newspaper that became a household name.