James Norton to play Beatles manager Brian Epstein in upcoming biopic series

James Norton joins The Beatles biopic as Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who shaped the band’s global fame

James Norton has officially joined the star-studded cast of director Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles biopic series, taking on the role of the legendary band’s manager, Brian Epstein.

The announcement, confirmed by Variety on October 14, marks an exciting addition to the ambitious four-part film project titled The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.

The biopic series will tell the story of The Beatles from four distinct perspectives — one film for each band member — offering a never-before-seen deep dive into their rise to global fame. Norton will portray Epstein, often referred to as the “fifth Beatle,” who discovered the band in 1961 and guided them from their Liverpool roots to international superstardom. Epstein managed the group until his untimely death in 1967 at age 32 due to a drug overdose.

Norton, best known for his acclaimed performances in Happy Valley, War & Peace, Little Women, and House of Guinness, brings a reputation for emotional depth and versatility that suits the complex character of Epstein — a man who shaped music history from behind the scenes.

The ensemble cast also includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.

Director Sam Mendes’ The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event is one of the most highly anticipated music projects in recent years, promising a cinematic celebration of creativity, fame, and the personal struggles that defined the most influential band in history.