Josh O'Connor in Disclosure Day

Who Does Josh O'Connor Play?

Josh O'Connor plays Ethan Hale, a journalist who discovers the truth about extraterrestrial contact and must decide how to tell the world.

Hale represents the journalist archetype seeking truth—a figure that connects to Spielberg's history of ordinary people uncovering extraordinary secrets. His investigation likely intersects with the alien contact that Emily Blunt's character experiences.

The "Seven Billion" Theory

The most discussed moment in the Disclosure Day trailer is O'Connor's delivery of a single line: "seven billion."

The problem? Earth's population is currently over 8 billion people. This discrepancy has spawned one of the most viral fan theories about the film.

Whether intentional or not, this single line has generated enormous discussion online. Spielberg is known for meticulous attention to detail, leading fans to believe the discrepancy is deliberate.

Character Analysis

Ethan Hale appears to serve multiple narrative functions:

• Truth-seeker - Investigates the cover-up as a journalist
• Audience surrogate - Discovers the truth alongside viewers
• Grounding element - A rational, skeptical perspective
• Thriller element - Creates tension around disclosure

O'Connor's casting suggests a complex, emotionally layered performance. His work in The Crown and Challengers demonstrated his range and intensity.

Josh O'Connor Filmography

Working With Spielberg

Disclosure Day marks Josh O'Connor's first collaboration with Steven Spielberg. The casting represents Spielberg's continued eye for rising talent—similar to his early casting of Christian Bale, Shia LaBeouf, and others who went on to major careers.

O'Connor has spoken about the experience in interviews:

O'Connor's Emmy-winning turn as Prince Charles in The Crown demonstrated his ability to handle prestige material with nuance, making him an ideal choice for Spielberg's alien contact thriller.