Imagine the thrill of diving back into the legendary world of The Beatles, but with a fresh twist that could rewrite how we see their iconic story—exciting news has surfaced about the casting for Sam Mendes' ambitious four-part biopic project, and it's bound to spark endless debates!
But here's where it gets really intriguing: Happy Valley's talented star, James Norton, is reportedly slated to take on the role of Brian Epstein, the man who discovered the band in 1961 and guided them as their manager until his untimely passing in 1967. For those new to the Beatles saga, Epstein wasn't just a manager; he was the visionary who spotted their raw talent in a small Liverpool club and transformed them into global superstars, handling everything from record deals to their image—think of him as the beating heart behind their meteoric rise. This casting announcement comes from reliable sources like Deadline, though official confirmations are still pending, and Sony, the Hollywood studio behind the films, has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Mendes' grand vision, unveiled in 2024, involves crafting four standalone films, each dedicated to one of The Beatles—John, Paul, George, and Ringo—creating an interconnected narrative that promises to explore their individual journeys while weaving in the band's collective magic. Scheduled for a 2028 release, this project stands out as a groundbreaking endeavor because it's the first time Apple Corps, the rights holders for The Beatles' legacy, has fully authorized the use of the band's life stories and music in a scripted film. And this is the part most people miss: It opens up unprecedented access to their songs and personal histories, allowing for a deeper, more authentic portrayal than ever before.
Building momentum, the project revealed the actors portraying the Fab Four back in April 2025 at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Paul Mescal will embody Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson takes on John Lennon, Barry Keoghan steps into Ringo Starr's shoes, and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison. By May, it was announced that Mendes had assembled a powerhouse trio of writers—Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne—to craft the scripts, ensuring a blend of sharp dialogue and emotional depth. Then, in October, Saoirse Ronan was cast as Linda McCartney, Paul's beloved wife from 1969 until her death in 1998, adding another layer of heart to the story, as Linda was not only a photographer and activist but a stabilizing force in Paul's life post-Beatles.
Of course, Brian Epstein has been brought to life on screen before, which leads us to a potentially controversial angle. Past portrayals include David Angus in the 1991 film The Hours and Times, Ed Stoppard in the 2014 ITV miniseries Cilla (focusing on singer Cilla Black), and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the 2024 biopic Midas Man. Each of these interpretations has varied—some emphasize Epstein's business savvy, others his personal struggles with identity and health—but the question lingers: How will James Norton's take differ? Will it highlight Epstein's groundbreaking role in shaping pop culture, or delve into the more turbulent aspects of his life, like his battles with depression and addiction? It's a choice that could redefine public perception of a figure who's often overshadowed by the band themselves. And here's the hook that might divide fans: Is it fair to cast someone who might not physically resemble Epstein closely, or does talent trump looks in biopics? Some argue that accuracy is key to honoring history, while others say creative liberties allow for broader storytelling—after all, the Beatles' own evolution defied conventions.
As this project unfolds, it begs the question: Are we ready for a cinematic retelling that might challenge our cherished memories of The Beatles? Do you agree with the casting choices, or do you have a different favorite portrayal of Epstein? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss what makes a biopic truly legendary!
