Actor James Norton is reportedly set to play Brian Epstein, the influential manager of The Beatles, in Sam Mendes' upcoming four-film biographical project. According to industry reports, the star of "Happy Valley" is the latest high-profile name to join the ambitious production, which will tell the story of the band from four different perspectives.
The project, produced by Sony, aims for a global release in 2028 and marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd. has granted full life story and music rights for a scripted feature film series about the iconic band.
Key Takeaways
- James Norton is reportedly in line to play Beatles manager Brian Epstein.
- The project is a four-film series directed by Sam Mendes, with each film focusing on a different band member.
- The cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
- This is the first scripted film to receive full life story and music rights from The Beatles' rights holders, Apple Corps Ltd.
- The films are scheduled for a global theatrical release in 2028.
An Unprecedented Cinematic Event
Director Sam Mendes, known for his work on films like "1917" and "Skyfall," is spearheading a unique cinematic endeavor. The plan involves producing four separate, interconnected feature films, with each one told from the viewpoint of a different member of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
This innovative storytelling approach is designed to provide a comprehensive and multi-faceted look at the band's journey, from their early days to their global stardom and eventual breakup. The films are expected to intersect and offer different perspectives on the same key events in the band's history.
A Historic Agreement
A significant aspect of this project is the unprecedented cooperation from Apple Corps Ltd. and the families of the band members. For the first time, a scripted production has been granted the full rights to use The Beatles' extensive music catalog and to depict their life stories. This level of access has been long sought after by filmmakers and is expected to lend an unparalleled authenticity to the project.
The announcement of the four-film structure in 2024 generated considerable excitement in the film industry. Mendes stated that the films will tell interconnected stories, creating a larger narrative when viewed together. Sony Pictures is backing the project, signaling a major studio commitment to this large-scale production.
Assembling the Fab Four and Their Circle
The casting process for the project has been a subject of intense public interest. In April 2025, the four actors chosen to portray the legendary musicians were officially presented at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The lineup features a group of highly regarded contemporary actors.
The Band Members
- Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon.
- Paul Mescal is cast as Paul McCartney.
- Joseph Quinn will take on the role of George Harrison.
- Barry Keoghan is set to portray Ringo Starr.
In addition to the core four, other key figures from the band's orbit are being cast. It was reported in October that Saoirse Ronan is slated to play Linda McCartney, who was married to Paul McCartney from 1969 until her death in 1998. The addition of James Norton as Brian Epstein further solidifies the project's high-caliber ensemble.
Behind the Scenes Talent
To handle the complex narrative, Sam Mendes has assembled a team of acclaimed screenwriters. In May, it was revealed that Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne were hired to work on the scripts, each bringing extensive experience from film and television.
The Significance of Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein is a pivotal figure in the story of The Beatles. Often referred to as the "Fifth Beatle," he discovered the band performing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1961. As their manager, he was instrumental in shaping their image, securing their first recording contract, and guiding their career to unprecedented international success.
Epstein's influence extended beyond business management; he refined their look, replacing their leather jackets with tailored suits, and instilled a level of professionalism that helped them break into the mainstream.
His role as their manager continued until his tragic death from an accidental overdose in 1967 at the age of 32. His passing is widely considered a turning point for the band, creating a void in leadership that contributed to internal fractures.
Norton's Role and Previous Portrayals
James Norton is a versatile English actor known for his roles in the crime drama "Happy Valley," the series "McMafia," and the film "Little Women." His potential casting as Epstein is seen as a strong choice, given his ability to portray complex and charismatic characters. While Sony has not officially commented on the casting reports, the news has been widely circulated by major industry outlets like Deadline.
The character of Brian Epstein has been depicted on screen several times before. Notable portrayals include:
- David Angus in the 1991 independent film "The Hours and Times."
- Ed Stoppard in the 2014 ITV miniseries "Cilla," which focused on the life of singer Cilla Black.
- Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the 2024 biopic "Midas Man," which centers specifically on Epstein's life.
Norton's performance will be part of the most comprehensive and officially sanctioned telling of The Beatles' story to date. With a planned 2028 release, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a landmark film event.