Most of us are probably unfamiliar with Jack O’Connell, but that may change very soon. The UK actor is slowly rising the ladder of fame and with a starring role in Angelina Jolie’s WWII film Unbroken and a supporting part in next month’s 300: Rise of an Empire, his name should be on the tongues of moviegoers in no time.

Of course, those across the pond probably already know O’Connell from his time on television’s Skins, and those who frequent the festival circuit might have caught him in Starred Up or ’71 (both of which have been showered with praise from critics).

With the actor slowly making his way into Hollywood, it looks as if Universal wants to hop on board the Jack O’Connell train once more (they are also distributing Unbroken) as they’ve just cast him in their spy flick Section 6. The Aaron Berg-scripted film, which the studio is hoping will start a franchise, tells the story of Sir George Mansfield Cummings and the “formation of MI6 following WWI.” No director is attached just yet but apparently some big names are circling the project and with a star now set, it won’t be long before the studio finds someone to helm.

With O’Connell already expected to earn awards buzz for his performance in Unbroken, which hits theatres on December 25th, it’s not hard to see why Universal is eager to get into bed with him again. They’re said to be quite hot on Section 6 too, as they paid a hefty $1.2 million for the script. And, as I mentioned before, they hope to turn it into a franchise, which means they must be expecting big things from it.

We’ll keep you posted when we hear more on Section 6 as we imagine it won’t be long now before the studio nabs a director. Until then, let us know what you think of O’Connell leading the film.