Jack O’Connell has admitted that he felt daunted when he discovered he’d landed the starring role in Angelina Jolie’s new film.

The British actor, 24, plays US Olympic athlete and Japanese prisoner of war Louis Zamperini in Unbroken.

The former Skins star was handpicked for the role in the movie, directed by Angelina.

“There was a huge pressure, I guess,” Jack said. “When I got the news, there was an array of emotions. I first felt very incapable, and I’ve since learned that Angie did too.

A picture of  Jack O'Connell and Angelina Jolie at an Unbroken screening
Jack O’Connell was directed by Angelina Jolie in Unbroken (Joel Ryan/AP/Press Association Images)

“This was an enormous task that we didn’t know we’d be able to achieve… It took a lot out of us at the time, and so here we are now, feeling very validated.”

He said of his actress/director boss: “She really led by example throughout. I think that’s a great metaphor actually, for how I felt under her leadership – she’s capable, so there’s no reason I can’t be.”

The ’71 actor, who is rumoured to be dating Cara Delevingne, added: “I was comparing myself there to a wonder woman!”

Unbroken is in cinemas on Friday, December 26.