While fans of The Beatles have known who will play the Fab Four in the upcoming biopic films for months now, one key figure in the band’s life and career hadn’t been cast—until now.
James Norton, known for roles in Grantchester, House of Guinness, Little Women and more, has officially been cast as The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein, who played a critical part in discovering the band and making them so successful.
Deadline first reported on the big casting news on Oct. 14, with Norton essentially confirming the report as he shared a screenshot of the publication’s article along with a photo of Epstein on Instagram the next day, writing in the caption, “Brian ❤️.”
Epstein was a music entrepreneur who noticed The Beatles at the start of the 1960s and convinced them to sign a five-year contract in 1962 to be managed by him, as well as a three-year publishing contract with Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
Despite having no previous experience as a manager, Epstein was dedicated to the group and quickly got them a record deal. He helped guide them through the departure of Pete Best and the arrival of Ringo Starr, as well as their rise to worldwide fame throughout the 1960s. Epstein managed the group until his death at the age of 32 in 1967.
Related: Actor Cast as Paul McCartney Calls Him “One of the Greatest Artists to Ever Do It”
The Beatles Cast is Quickly Coming Together
Along with Norton, the cast of the upcoming Beatles films is quickly coming together. The actors who will portray the band members were announced earlier this year, with Paul Mescal portraying McCartney, Harris Dickinson as Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Starr.
More recently, Saoirse Ronan was cast as Linda McCartney, McCartney’s wife, whom he married in 1969, while Mia McKenna-Bruce will play Maureen Starkey, Starr’s first wife. On Oct. 10, Variety also reported that Anna Sawai was circling the role of Yoko Ono, Lennon’s second wife, while Aimee Lou Wood was reportedly getting close to signing on as Pattie Boyd, Harrison’s first wife.
Sam Mendes is directing the upcoming four films about The Beatles, with each one from the point of view of a different member. As of writing, they are all set to be released around the same time in early 2028.
Related: Paul McCartney Pays Tribute To His ‘Very Special Friend’ John Lennon
