James Norton to Portray Beatles Manager in Sam Mendes' Upcoming Biopic

Sam Mendes' highly anticipated musical biopic about The Beatles, touted as "A Four-Film Cinematic Event," has named English actor James Norton to portray Brian Epstein - the band's iconic manager who was instrumental in their phenomenal rise. Epstein shared a close association with the band from 1961 until his tragic demise from a drug overdose in 1967. He was only 32.

The films are being bankrolled by Sony, which did not disclose any comment on Norton's casting. This much-anticipated biological series will present four stand-alone films, each dedicated to a Beatles' member's perspective. The films are scheduled to hit the silver screen by April 2028.

It is anticipated that Epstein's character, owing to his profound integral role, will feature in each movie. The series aims to effectively encapsulate The Beatles' remarkable journey from their humble hometown of Liverpool to their monumental global presence, climaxing with their split in 1970.

However, the space other key characters from The Beatles' world will occupy in these films remains uncertain. Among others, acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney, and Anna Sawai of "Shogun" fame will enact Yoko Ono's character. Aimee Lou Wood and Mia McKenna-Bruce will play Pattie Boyd and Maureen Starkey, respectively.

James Norton is no stranger to biopic dramas, with his recent role as record producer Chris Blackwell in the "Bob Marley: One Love" film. The 40-year old has an impressive list of credits including Netflix's limited series "House of Guinness" and HBO's "House of the Dragon."