Josh O'Connor takes the lead in 'Disclosure Day'

Josh O'Connor, best known for his roles in The Crown and Challengers, steps into the spotlight as the lead in Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, a high-stakes sci-fi thriller about a cybersecurity expert who uncovers government proof of alien life and decides to expose it to the world. In a candid conversation with Fresh Air's Tanya Mosley, O'Connor reveals how he prepared for the role with a deeply personal, almost obsessive scrapbook—literally covering a Manhattan apartment wall with sketches of childhood visions inspired by Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The most striking moment came not from Spielberg himself, but from a mistaken text message: 'The door is on the latch. Just push.' Though meant for his wife, the poetic line unlocked O'Connor’s emotional performance, becoming a mantra for vulnerability. He reflects on his career path—from quiet indie films like God's Own Country to blockbuster roles—emphasizing that the core of acting remains the same: empathy, collaboration, and the spiritual pursuit of truth in character. O'Connor also opens up about his dyslexia, framing it not as a deficit but as a unique cognitive gift that allows him to see 'D and E' in ways others miss. As he approaches 36, he expresses a growing desire to reclaim his identity beyond roles, embracing ceramics, gardening, and simply being 'Josh' again.