James Norton. Photo: Scudamore’s Punting Cambridge, via Wikimedia Commons
British actor James Norton (Happy Valley, House of Guinness) has landed his biggest film role to date, cast as Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ legendary manager and a closeted gay man who operated in the shadows of fame while his private life was outlawed.
He joins Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes’ groundbreaking four-part cinematic project, The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.
Known as “The Fifth Beatle,” Epstein was a genius impresario who discovered the band in 1961, transforming them from a local Liverpool act into a global cultural force. His influence was crucial, from changing their look to orchestrating their U.S. breakthrough. The films will explore how he navigated the extreme demands of the music industry until his tragic death in 1967.
Norton will appear alongside an acclaimed cast, including Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Joseph Quinn (George Harrison), and Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr).
The four unique, interwoven films are set to debut simultaneously in April 2028.
