Golden Boy heads to cinemas Nov. 5 after sold-out Almeida run

National Theatre Live is releasing a filmed version of the stage production Golden Boy in cinemas beginning Nov. 5. The distribution deal follows a run at London's Almeida Theatre that filled every seat available.

The production is based on the Clifford Odets play and was directed by Sam Yates. It stars Josh O'Connor as Joe Bonaparte, a character described in the synopsis as a gifted violinist who leaves music for professional boxing to pursue fame and fortune.

The synopsis notes the character must confront what he is willing to sacrifice and how he finds his place in a world that demands he choose a side. An exclusive first-look clip released this week shows O'Connor embracing an earlier version of himself playing the violin while his face bleeds from a boxing injury.

The footage was captured during a live performance. The cast includes Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays, and a live string quartet performs in the production.

The role marks O'Connor's first return to the London stage in five years. During that period, he won an Emmy for playing King Charles in The Crown and starred in films including La Chimera, Challengers, Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man, and Disclosure Day.

Tickets are currently on sale through the National Theatre Live website for screenings scheduled to take place in theaters around the world starting Nov. 5.