Josh O’Connor Is a Reluctant Boxer in First-Look Clip of National Theatre Live’s ‘Golden Boy’ Ahead of Cinema Release (EXCLUSIVE)

Josh O’Connor may be in the James Bond conversation, but his next on-screen role is a filmed version of his most recent play, “Golden Boy.”

After its sold-out run at London’s Almeida Theatre, National Theatre Live is bringing “Golden Boy” to the big screen starting Nov. 5. In Clifford Odets’ acclaimed play — directed by Sam Yates — O’Connor stars as Joe Bonaparte, “a gifted young violinist with a future in music, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing,” according to its synopsis. “He must confront what he’s willing to sacrifice, who he’s willing to become and how to find his place in a world that demands he choose a side.”

In the exclusive first-look clip above, O’Connor artfully grapples with his longing to return to music, hugging a past version of himself playing the violin as his face bleeds from a boxing injury. Filmed during a performance at the Almeida Theatre, “Golden Boy” features a live string quartet alongside O’Connor and fellow cast members Hayley Squires and Daniel Mays.

“Golden Boy” marked O’Connor’s return to the London stage after five years, in which he’s catapulted to worldwide fame. He’s an Emmy winner for his portrayal of King Charles in Netflix’s “The Crown,” and has earned acclaim for his film roles including “La Chimera,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” “Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man” and Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.”

“Golden Boy” is coming to theaters worldwide starting Nov. 5. Tickets are on sale now on National Theatre Live’s website.