The legendary story of The Beatles — the band that changed the course of music history — is set to be told like never before. Acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes is bringing to life a bold new cinematic project titled “The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.” The ambitious series will feature English actor James Norton as Brian Epstein, the man often referred to as “the fifth Beatle.”
A Musical Legend Reborn on Screen
James Norton, known for his roles in Grantchester and Happy Valley, will portray Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered The Beatles and transformed them into an international phenomenon. Epstein’s contribution to music history is immeasurable — he not only recognized the band’s raw talent but also polished their image, introduced them to global audiences, and managed their meteoric rise to fame.
Epstein first met John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in 1961, when the young band was performing at The Cavern Club in Liverpool. He immediately saw their potential and took charge of their professional journey, guiding them from local performances to global superstardom. His influence extended far beyond management — Epstein was the architect of The Beatles’ early image, securing record deals, organizing tours, and shaping their public identity.
Sadly, his life was cut short in 1967, when he died at just 32 years old from a drug overdose. His passing marked a major turning point for the group, who were left without the man who had been their guiding force since the beginning.
A Bold New Vision by Sam Mendes
Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes is known for his stunning visual storytelling and emotional depth, with credits like 1917, American Beauty, and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. Now, Mendes is turning his attention to the world’s most iconic band — and he’s doing it in an entirely new way.
Rather than a single biopic, the project will consist of four separate movies, each told from the perspective of a different Beatle: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Together, the four films will form a complete mosaic of the band’s journey — from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to their explosive rise as global icons, and finally, to their emotional breakup in 1970.
This unique storytelling approach promises to give audiences a deeper, more personal understanding of each member’s experience within the group. According to production insiders, the narratives will intertwine and overlap, allowing viewers to see key events through multiple perspectives — much like how real history is remembered differently by those who lived it.
All four films are slated for a theatrical release in April 2028, marking one of the most ambitious musical film projects ever attempted.
The Star-Studded Cast Bringing The Beatles to Life
The ensemble cast chosen to portray the Fab Four has generated huge excitement across the film and music worlds.
- Paul Mescal will step into the shoes of Paul McCartney
- Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon
- Barry Keoghan will take on Ringo Starr
- Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison
Each of these rising stars has already proven their range and talent in major film and television projects, and fans are eager to see how they embody the personalities of the world’s most famous band.
Given Brian Epstein’s close relationship with all four members, James Norton’s character is expected to appear in each installment, connecting the stories and providing emotional continuity throughout the series.
The Beatles Universe Expands: Supporting Characters Revealed
The Beatles’ story wouldn’t be complete without the women who shared their journey — both personally and professionally. The production has already announced several high-profile castings for these key roles:
- Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney, Paul’s lifelong partner and creative collaborator.
- Anna Sawai, known for her role in Shōgun, will bring to life Yoko Ono, the artist and peace activist who played a pivotal role in John Lennon’s life.
- Aimee Lou Wood from Sex Education and The White Lotus is reportedly taking on the role of Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s muse and later Eric Clapton’s inspiration for “Layla.”
- Mia McKenna-Bruce will portray Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr’s first wife.
This rich ensemble ensures that the story of The Beatles won’t just be about the music — it will also capture the human relationships, struggles, and emotional bonds that shaped the world’s greatest band.
James Norton’s Growing Career in Music Biopics
At 40 years old, James Norton has already built an impressive résumé spanning television, film, and theater. His performance in the 2024 musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love,” where he played record producer Chris Blackwell, earned praise for its authenticity and emotional nuance. That role appears to have prepared him perfectly for embodying Epstein — another key figure in the history of popular music.
Norton’s other notable roles include Netflix’s limited series “House of Guinness,” the crime drama “Grantchester,” the acclaimed British series “Happy Valley,” and a major role in HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 3. His range and depth as an actor make him a fitting choice to portray the complex personality of Brian Epstein — a man whose brilliance was matched only by his inner struggles.
A Tribute to the Fifth Beatle
Although Brian Epstein’s story has been told before, including in the 2024 biopic “Midas Man,” Mendes’ upcoming Beatles films are expected to explore his life in a more emotional and interconnected way. Epstein’s contributions went far beyond management — he shaped a cultural revolution. Without his vision, The Beatles might never have reached the global audience that turned them into legends.
By casting James Norton, the filmmakers seem to be honoring Epstein’s importance in a way that ensures his legacy is remembered alongside the band he helped create. As the project develops, fans are already calling it one of the most anticipated film events of the decade.