James Norton Set To Play The “Gay Beatle” In Sam Mendes’ Beatles Films
Director Sam Mendes, known for his work on films like Skyfall and 1917, is preparing an ambitious cinematic project for 2028. The plan involves four separate films, each telling the story of The Beatles from the perspective of a different band member.
The cast already features Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Now, another key figure has been cast. James Norton is set to play Brian Epstein, the man often called the Fifth Beatle, whose influence was essential to the band’s rise. He could also be called the Gay Beatle.
Meet the man who shaped the Fab Four.
For many, Brian Epstein is not a household name, yet his impact on music history is immense. He discovered The Beatles at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1961 and became their manager, guiding them from local sensations to global superstars. He convinced the band to adopt their signature suit-and-tie look and secured their first record deal. Epstein managed the group until he died in 1967 at the age of 32.
His story was often kept in the shadows, largely because he was a gay man at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the United Kingdom. It was not decriminalised until 1968, a year after he passed away. This forced privacy means his contribution to one of the world’s biggest cultural phenomena is frequently overlooked.
An intense relationship with John Lennon…
Epstein’s story is expected to feature in all four films, but his connection with John Lennon may receive special attention. The two took a holiday together in Spain in 1963, sparking rumours that have persisted for decades. Lennon later addressed their time away, describing it as “almost a love affair, but not quite. It was never consummated. But it was a pretty intense relationship.”
Accounts of the trip vary. Some, like Lennon’s former bandmate Pete Shotten, claimed the two did have a physical encounter. Paul McCartney, however, suggested Lennon used the trip to assert his own power within the group. Some even believe Lennon’s song You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away was written about Epstein’s situation. How will their close bond be portrayed in the upcoming films?
Norton is familiar with queer roles.
James Norton is a recognisable face, having appeared in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and episodes of Black Mirror and Doctor Who. Importantly, he is no stranger to portraying complex queer characters. He previously starred in the stage adaptation of the acclaimed novel A Little Life, earning praise for his performance.
The cast for the Beatles project continues to grow, with Saoirse Ronan recently joining as Linda McCartney and Anna Sawai from Shogun cast as Yoko Ono. With an accomplished actor like Norton taking on the role of Epstein, it is a chance for a wider audience to learn about the gay man who helped create the biggest band in history.
