3 hours ago
James Norton Cast as Closeted Gay Manager Brian Epstein in Sam Mendes’ Beatles Biopic Series
READ TIME: 19 MIN.
James Norton, acclaimed for his work in"Happy Valley,""House of Guinness," and"Little Women," has been cast to play Brian Epstein, the legendary manager of The Beatles, in a groundbreaking biopic series helmed by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes. This ambitious project will comprise four interconnected films, each focusing on a different member of the iconic band, with Epstein’s story serving as the thread that ties them together .
The casting news, reported by leading entertainment outlets and confirmed by Deadline, arrives as a major development in what is being described as one of the most ambitious music biopic projects to date. The films are set to be released in 2028 and will feature an ensemble cast including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney .
Brian Epstein’s legacy in music history is both monumental and deeply personal. Often referred to as the “Fifth Beatle,” Epstein discovered the band in 1961 and, despite having no prior experience in artist management, secured their first recording contract with EMI’s Parlophone label. His guiding hand and business acumen helped transform The Beatles from a Liverpool club act into global superstars, managing the group until his untimely death in 1967 .
Epstein’s influence extended beyond business: he was credited with refining the band’s public image, securing high-profile gigs, and championing their creative ambitions. His dedication to the band was unwavering, and his impact on their success is universally acknowledged by historians and surviving members of the group.
While Epstein’s homosexuality was not publicly known during his lifetime, it was reportedly an open secret among close associates. Living in a time when homosexuality was criminalized in the UK, Epstein navigated his personal life with discretion, facing both societal prejudice and legal dangers. Accounts describe Epstein as finding ways to express his identity, yet the pressures of the era undoubtedly shaped both his public persona and private experiences .
His relationship with The Beatles was marked by close personal bonds; rumors of romantic involvement, particularly with John Lennon, have persisted, though Lennon clarified in a 1980 interview with Playboy that their relationship was “almost a love affair, but not quite” and “never consummated” .
Director Sam Mendes, whose credits include the James Bond films"Skyfall" and"Spectre," is set to lead the biopic series. The films will be the first scripted projects to receive full life story and music rights from Apple, the Beatles’ rights holders, allowing for unprecedented authenticity in portraying the band’s journey and Epstein’s central role . Each film will spotlight a different Beatle, with Epstein’s story interwoven throughout, highlighting the manager’s crucial influence on each member’s career and personal development.
The casting of James Norton as Epstein is seen as a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema. Epstein’s story, long overshadowed by the band’s fame, will now be brought to the forefront, exploring both his professional achievements and the challenges he faced as a gay man in the public eye.
Epstein’s inclusion as a central character in a major film series offers a rare opportunity to examine the intersection of sexuality, fame, and historical legacy. His life and struggles reflect the broader experience of LGBTQ+ individuals in mid-20th century Britain, where legal and social barriers forced many to conceal their identities. By casting Norton, an actor known for his nuanced performances, the filmmakers signal an intent to treat Epstein’s story with sensitivity and depth.
The decision to foreground Epstein’s sexuality, rather than obscure it, aligns with contemporary calls for greater LGBTQ+ visibility and authenticity in entertainment. The project’s scale and prominence are expected to spark renewed interest in Epstein’s life among younger audiences, many of whom may be learning about his contributions for the first time. For the LGBTQ+ community, the film stands as a potential milestone in reclaiming and celebrating queer history within the mainstream cultural canon.
Epstein has appeared on screen before, with portrayals in"The Hours and Times" (David Angus, 1991),"Cilla" (Ed Stoppard, 2014), and the recent biopic"Midas Man" (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, 2024) . However, Mendes’ series promises a more comprehensive exploration, leveraging unprecedented access to the Beatles’ music and archives.
Industry observers note the significance of this project for LGBTQ+ history and Beatles fans alike. By centering Epstein’s story, the films may alter public understanding of the band’s rise and offer overdue recognition for the manager’s visionary leadership and personal resilience.
As production moves forward, anticipation is building within both the film and music communities. With casting decisions already generating headlines, the biopic series is positioned to be a landmark event in cinematic, musical, and LGBTQ+ history.
The films promise to engage audiences with questions of identity, creativity, and courage—revisiting a time when being true to oneself required extraordinary bravery. The legacy of Brian Epstein, the “Fifth Beatle,” will be re-examined through the lens of contemporary values, offering inspiration for all who have faced adversity in pursuit of their dreams.
