James Norton to play Brian Epstein in The Beatles biopics
British actor James Norton is reportedly set to play The Beatles manager Brian Epstein in Sam Mendes’ forthcoming biopics.
Epstein, who was famously called ‘The Fifth Beatle’ by Paul McCartney, was instrumental in the Fab Four’s career. He first met them at The Cavern Club in 1961, and became their manager shortly afterwards.
The music mogul, who had no prior experience working in the industry before meeting The Beatles, continued to guide the band until he sadly died in 1967 due to a drug overdose. His story was previously explored in the 2024 biopic, Midas Man.
Now, according to Deadline, Norton, best known for starring in Happy Valley and Grantchester, is set to play Epstein in Mendes’ upcoming set of biopics.
It was first confirmed in March that Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn will portray George Harrison.
Over the past week, speculation regarding the further cast has heated up. It has been reported that Mia McKenna-Bruce, who previously won the coveted Bafta Rising Star, is set to portray Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr’s first wife. Additionally, acclaimed Irish actor Saoirse Ronan has also been confirmed to play Linda McCartney.
Pattie Boyd, who was married to Harrison from 1966 to 1977, has been heavily rumoured for some time to be played by The White Lotus star Aimee Wood. While it isn’t believed that Wood has yet signed on the dotted line, Boyd has given her seal of approval to the actor.
Boyd took to X to respond to a report that claimed Wood portray her in the upcoming films to write, “Big news, indeed! I’m looking forward (hoping) to meet Aimee Lou at some point in the future”.
Shōgun star Anna Sawai has also been linked to the role of Yoko Ono.
Mendes is set to direct a set of four biopics on the Fab Four, which will all be released in 2028. Each film will focus on a different member of the group, and has been described by Sony as “the first binge-able theatrical experience”.
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