National Theatre Live: Golden Boy

Set in New York during the Great Depression, this drama follows Joe Bonaparte, a talented violinist who abandons his musical future for the wealth and fame of professional boxing. Joe finds himself conflicted as he balances the demands of a harsh manager and the expectations of his Italian-American family. While pursuing the American Dream, he struggles with a forbidden romance and the personal cost of his ambitions, eventually forced to choose between a life of honor and the brutal world of sport.

Upcoming for release on November 5, 2026, this United Kingdom production is a collaboration between the National Theatre and Almeida Theatre. It is based on a screenplay by Clifford Odets and features a live string quartet. The film is directed by Sam Yates, following his previous work on Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar, National Theatre Live: Vanya, and Magpie. The cast is led by Josh O'Connor in the role of Joe Bonaparte, appearing alongside Jason Barnett, Richard Fleeshman, David Ganly, Patrick Martins, and Oliver Ryan.