Pearce reveals Murdoch's approval of his portrayal in upcoming Sun origin film
At the Venice Film Festival, actor Guy Pearce said Rupert Murdoch's daughter Elisabeth told him her father is pleased with Pearce's casting in Danny Boyle's film about the Sun's founding. However, Pearce noted Murdoch had not yet seen the film. The movie, based on James Graham's play, depicts Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of the newspaper.
The film *Ink*, directed by Danny Boyle, centers on Murdoch’s 1969 acquisition of the struggling Sun and his appointment of Larry Lamb to challenge the Daily Mirror’s dominance. Playwright James Graham noted that Murdoch attended stage performances of the play in both London and New York, though he gave little away in reaction. Graham observed Murdoch was particularly taken with a sequence depicting the gritty, physical process of newspaper printing, despite Murdoch later pioneering digital shifts that transformed Fleet Street.
Pearce’s casting drew a personal endorsement from Elisabeth Murdoch, relayed via messaging, though the tycoon had not yet viewed the finished film at that point. Boyle framed Murdoch’s early British career as a challenge to rigid societal norms, citing the prejudice he faced as an Australian. Graham linked the Sun’s aggressive entertainment-driven approach to today’s engagement-focused media landscape, including social media and AI.
This story may resonate beyond film circles, as it touches on public perceptions of media power and legacy. Audiences could see Murdoch humanized through a sympathetic portrayal, potentially softening critical views of his influence. Conversely, the film’s focus on his disruptive tactics may reinforce debates about tabloid ethics and the erosion of traditional journalism. The reported family approval could shape how the Murdoch saga is framed in popular culture, though its societal impact likely depends on the film’s reach and the public’s existing attitudes toward media consolidation.