James Norton has been cast to portray Brian Epstein, the renowned manager of The Beatles, in the upcoming film series directed by Sam Mendes. This project, titled “The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event,” aims to explore the lives of the iconic band members through separate films.
Cast and Characters
Norton joins an impressive lineup, which includes:
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
Although the extent of Epstein’s role in each film remains unclear, his significant influence on The Beatles is expected to be highlighted throughout the series.
Backstory of Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein first encountered The Beatles in 1961 during a lunchtime performance at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Despite lacking experience in artist management, he recognized their potential and signed them under contract. Epstein played a crucial role in securing a recording contract with EMI’s Parlophone label, which significantly propelled the band’s career.
Film Production Details
All four films directed by Mendes are slated for release in April 2028. This ambitious cinematic endeavor marks a unique collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mendes’ Neal Street Productions. The projects will be produced by Mendes alongside Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor, with Alexandra Derbyshire also involved. Notably, this marks the first instance where The Beatles and Apple Corps Ltd. have permitted the dramatization of the band members’ life stories and music in scripted form.
Creative Team
The screenplays for the films are crafted by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne. However, specifics on which writer is handling each film remain undisclosed.
James Norton’s Recent Work
James Norton is no stranger to portraying legendary figures in biopics. He recently appeared in Paramount’s film “Bob Marley: One Love” and stars in the Netflix limited series “House Of Guinness.” Additionally, Norton has completed filming for the third season of HBO’s “House of the Dragon.” His representation includes WME and The Artists Partnership.
As anticipation builds for this ambitious film series, James Norton’s portrayal of Brian Epstein promises to offer audiences a deeper understanding of The Beatles’ storied legacy and the pivotal role their manager played in shaping their success.
