Get ready to relive the magic of the Beatles like never before! But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it possible to truly capture the essence of the band’s legendary manager, Brian Epstein, on screen? English actor James Norton is about to take on this monumental task, stepping into the shoes of the man often hailed as the Beatles’ fifth member. In the highly anticipated four-part musical biopic directed by Sam Mendes, Norton will portray Epstein, the visionary who discovered the Fab Four in 1961 and catapulted them from Liverpool’s clubs to global superstardom. And this is the part most people miss: Epstein’s tragic death in 1967 at just 32 years old left an indelible mark on the band’s history, a story already immortalized in the 2024 biopic Midas Man.
Norton joins a star-studded cast in The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event, a project so ambitious it’s being called a cinematic revolution. Paul Mescal will embody Paul McCartney, Harrison Dickinson takes on John Lennon, Barry Keoghan steps into Ringo Starr’s shoes, and Joseph Quinn brings George Harrison to life. Here’s the twist: Mendes is crafting four distinct films, each told from the perspective of a different band member, set to debut simultaneously in April 2028. These films will intertwine to chronicle the Beatles’ meteoric rise and eventual 1970 breakup, with Epstein’s presence likely weaving through each narrative.
But Epstein isn’t the only iconic figure making an appearance. Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney, Shogun’s Anna Sawai takes on the role of Yoko Ono, The White Lotus breakout Aimee Lou Wood is in talks to play Pattie Boyd (George Harrison’s spouse), and Mia McKenna-Bruce will appear as Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr’s first wife. Bold question: Will these portrayals satisfy die-hard fans, or will they spark debates about accuracy and representation?
Sony, the studio behind the films, has remained tight-lipped about Norton’s casting, first reported by Deadline. Meanwhile, Norton, 40, is no stranger to musical biopics, having recently portrayed record producer Chris Blackwell in Bob Marley: One Love. His impressive resume also includes roles in Netflix’s House of Guinness, Grantchester, Happy Valley, and HBO’s House of the Dragon.
As we eagerly await 2028, one thing is certain: this cinematic event promises to be a cultural phenomenon. But here’s the real question: Can any film truly do justice to the Beatles’ legacy, or is their story too monumental to capture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re ready for the debate!
