Rupert Murdoch ‘very happy’ that Guy Pearce plays him in Fleet Street biopic Ink

Rupert Murdoch has expressed satisfaction with the casting of Guy Pearce to portray him in the upcoming film Ink, a biographical account of his early career in British media. The film, directed by Danny Boyle, centers on Murdoch's takeover of The Sun in 1969 and the subsequent transformation of Fleet Street journalism. Pearce confirmed during the Venice Film Festival that Murdoch’s daughter, Elisabeth, relayed her father’s approval of the decision. Pearce, known for roles such as his breakout performance in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, spoke ahead of the film’s premiere at the festival. He mentioned having communicated with Elisabeth Murdoch, who informed him that her father was “very happy” with the casting choice. However, Pearce noted that Murdoch had not yet viewed the film, leaving room for potential changes in his perception once he does. Ink is set against the backdrop of 1969, a pivotal year for Murdoch as he assumed control of The Sun, a struggling newspaper. The film follows his efforts to revitalize the publication by appointing Larry Lamb (played by Jack O’Connell) to compete with the dominant Daily Mirror. Playwright James Graham, whose play formed the foundation of the screenplay, revealed that Murdoch had attended several performances of the stage production in both London and New York. Despite his presence, Graham described Murdoch as elusive in his feedback, offering little direct commentary on the portrayal. However, Graham noted that Murdoch seemed particularly engaged with a scene depicting the grueling process of newspaper production, “the dirt and the steam and the filth.” This detail intrigued Graham, especially considering Murdoch’s later shift toward digital media, which ultimately transformed Fleet Street. While the film focuses exclusively on Murdoch’s formative years in Britain, it contrasts sharply with the HBO series Succession, which many believe reflects aspects of the Murdoch family’s internal conflicts and business struggles. Unlike Succession, Ink aims to highlight Murdoch’s initial impact on British media, portraying him as a figure who challenged the traditional structures of Fleet Street. Danny Boyle, reflecting on Murdoch’s character in the film, stated that he represented a refreshing change in a rigid British society. Boyle acknowledged the challenges Murdoch faced as an Australian outsider in the British press landscape, expressing empathy for his experiences. He also highlighted Murdoch’s disdain for the British establishment, a sentiment Boyle himself shared. James Graham emphasized the broader implications of The Sun's rise, noting how it disrupted the established norms of journalism in the United Kingdom. Traditionally, news was disseminated through institutions like the BBC, which aimed to educate and inform. In contrast, The Sun pursued a strategy centered on entertainment and engagement, a model that Graham argued continues to influence modern media, including social platforms and artificial intelligence. As the film prepares for its release, it offers a nuanced exploration of Murdoch’s early life and the lasting effects of his innovations on the media landscape. The project underscores the complex legacy of a man whose decisions reshaped journalism and continue to resonate in today’s digital age.