Jack O'Connell, the 34-year-old actor known for his roles in productions like 'Skins' and 'Unbroken,' recently shared some striking revelations about his experiences both on stage and on set, including an unforgettable nude scene that shocked some audience members during a 2017 production of Tennessee Williams' classic play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' at the Young Vic theatre in London.
In an interview with the Guardian, O'Connell recounted how several theatregoers walked out after he appeared nude on stage. "There’s a nude scene at the start of the play and another at the end. The play starts in the shower. It would be very odd to be in the shower wearing clothing. So I just assumed: I’ll be naked. You just crack on," he explained. The actor noted that he heard gasps from the audience, particularly from coach trippers, who did not return after the interval.
Despite the mixed reactions to his bold performance, O'Connell's career has been on an upward trajectory. He has been touted as a potential successor to Daniel Craig in the iconic role of James Bond. In a separate interview with Total Film, he remarked, "I mean, listen, if something like that comes my way, sure. I’d just treat it the same way: I’d read it, see who’s directing. Do they want me? Cool. Let’s chat. Is the script belting? Then cool. OK, let’s definitely chat." He acknowledged the competitive nature of the casting process, saying, "I’m sure there’s a long, long list. I’m sure that list is highly competitive, and I’m sure that there are some phenomenal actors being considered for it. If I’m somewhere along that list – brilliant. That, in itself, is an achievement."
The search for the next Bond has intensified following the franchise's acquisition by Amazon MGM Studios, which has sparked speculation about a significant revamp of the character. Actor Daniel Mays recently shared a rumor that Amazon is considering casting someone very young and taking the series back to its roots, possibly setting the story in the 1960s with retro cars. "Bond is a big deal right now, that going to Amazon... I heard a rumour they’re going to cast someone very young and go sort of back to the origins," Mays said during an appearance on the 'We’re Not Getting Any Younger' podcast.
In addition to his theatrical ventures, O'Connell reflected on his formative years and the early days of his acting career, particularly his experience working with the legendary Michael Caine on the set of the action thriller 'Harry Brown.' He recalled being intimidated by Caine, who reportedly dubbed him a "star of the future" after being impressed by his performance. O'Connell described a particularly challenging scene where he had to spit in Caine's face while being interrogated. "Michael Caine had me tied up to a chair, interrogating me. I had to spit in his face, which was massively daunting. I think it was doing that that caused him to come out with that ['star of the future']. I’ve not forgotten it," he said.
Growing up in Derby, O'Connell faced challenges that shaped his path to stardom. His father, an Irish railway worker, and his mother, who worked for British Midland, provided a working-class background that influenced his acting career. He described his comprehensive school as "brutal" and "rough as f***" and mentioned being sent to boxing and army cadets at the age of 12. However, it was his drama teacher who recognized his potential and encouraged him to audition for the Television Workshop in Nottingham when he was just 13 years old. This led to his casting as Pukey Nicholls in Shane Meadows’ acclaimed film 'This Is England' two years later.
Despite his success, O'Connell's journey has not been without its setbacks. At 17, he was arrested for drink driving, an incident that occurred while he was trying to establish himself in the acting world. "And that was at the time when I was trying to be an actor at the Royal Court," he recalled. "I was in real court the day I was starting a play called 'Scarborough' at the Royal Court in London – waiting to find out if I was getting a custodial sentence." Fortunately, he received a suspended sentence and continued to perform in Deborah Bruce’s play, which earned him rave reviews.
O'Connell's recent comments about his career come at a time when Michael Caine has made headlines for his political views. Last month, the Oscar-winning actor stirred controversy by sharing a petition calling for a new general election, expressing his belief that the current Labour Government has not fulfilled the promises made during the last election campaign. This move sparked varied reactions on social media, with some users expressing surprise at Caine's call for political change, given his history as a vocal supporter of Brexit and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
As Jack O'Connell continues to navigate the complexities of his career, from daring stage performances to potential blockbuster roles, he remains grounded in his experiences and the challenges he has faced. His journey from a working-class upbringing to becoming a recognized actor serves as an inspiration to many aspiring performers. With the possibility of stepping into the shoes of James Bond and a growing body of work, O'Connell's future in the entertainment industry appears bright.
