The difficult journey of creating Midas Man, the highly anticipated biopic about Beatles producer Brian Epstein, appears to be nearing its end. With a third director, Joe Stephenson, stepping in, the shooting phase of the production has finally concluded.
Deadline revealed that the film, starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd of The Queen’s Gambit fame as Epstein, has now progressed to post-production. Jonas Åkerlund (Spun, Polar), the film’s original director, left the project soon after shooting began in late 2021 due to disagreements with the producers. The reins were then passed to Sara Sugarman (Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Vinyl), but she also exited the project earlier this year due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences. This led to the involvement of Stephenson, the director of the forthcoming Eddie Izzard adaptation of Doctor Jekyll. In a statement, Stephenson expressed, “I was thrilled when I was asked to steer Midas Man. The past twelve weeks have been a remarkable journey and I’m extremely grateful to my cast and crew. The story of Brian Epstein has long been awaiting its turn, and I’m privileged to finally be able to present it on the big screen.”
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The Life of Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein made significant contributions to the music world in the 1960s, managing numerous successful pop acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black. However, his lasting legacy was solidified when he took on the management of the Beatles in Liverpool in 1961. Epstein played a vital role in the Beatles’ rise to fame, presenting them with a refined image and securing a recording deal with EMI. Paul McCartney even dubbed Epstein as the true “Fifth Beatle” for his pivotal role. Despite his monumental success, Epstein faced personal struggles with substance abuse and hiding his homosexuality. His life tragically ended at the age of 32 from an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol, soon after his father’s demise in 1967. John Lennon later admitted that Epstein’s death marked the beginning of the Beatles’ decline, leading to their breakup three years later.
Image via Abramorama
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Apart from Fortune-Lloyd, Midas Man will also feature Emily Watson and Eddie Marsan as Epstein’s parents, Lukas Gage as Epstein’s partner Tex Ellington, Bill Milner as Epstein’s sibling, Rosie Day as Cilla Black, and Jay Leno as famed variety show presenter Ed Sullivan. The Beatles will be portrayed by newcomers Jonah Lees (John Lennon), Blake Richardson (Paul McCartney), Leo Harvey Elledge (George Harrison), and Campbell Wallace (Ringo Starr). The film is a joint production by StudioPOW and Trevor Beattie Films.
For future updates on Midas Man, stay connected with FilmSweep and don’t miss the renowned Beatlemaniac Peter Jackson discussing The Beatles: Get Back below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Midas Man Film Production
What is the movie “Midas Man” about?
“Midas Man” is a biopic about the life of Brian Epstein, who was the manager of the Beatles and other successful pop acts in the 1960s. The film will explore his significant contribution to the Beatles’ rise to fame and his personal struggles.
Who is directing the “Midas Man” film?
Joe Stephenson is the director of the film “Midas Man”. He is the third director to helm the project, following Jonas Åkerlund and Sara Sugarman, who both departed due to different reasons.
Who are the stars of “Midas Man”?
“Midas Man” features Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the role of Brian Epstein. It also stars Emily Watson and Eddie Marsan as Epstein’s parents, Lukas Gage as Epstein’s lover, Bill Milner as Epstein’s brother, Rosie Day as Cilla Black, and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan. The Beatles will be portrayed by newcomers Jonah Lees, Blake Richardson, Leo Harvey Elledge, and Campbell Wallace.
When is “Midas Man” expected to be released?
As of now, the exact release date of “Midas Man” hasn’t been mentioned in the text. The film is currently in post-production.
What challenges did the production of “Midas Man” face?
The production of “Midas Man” faced several challenges, including changes in directorship. The original director, Jonas Åkerlund, left the project due to disagreements with the producers, and his replacement, Sara Sugarman, also departed due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences. Joe Stephenson eventually took over as the film’s director.
Who was Brian Epstein?
Brian Epstein was a renowned music manager in the 1960s, best known for managing the Beatles. He played a pivotal role in the band’s success, securing them a recording contract with EMI and promoting a clean-cut image. Despite his professional success, Epstein faced personal struggles and died of an overdose at the age of 32.
More about Midas Man Film Production
- The Queen’s Gambit
- Jonas Åkerlund
- Sara Sugarman
- Joe Stephenson
- Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
- Brian Epstein
- The Beatles
- Doctor Jekyll
- StudioPOW
- Trevor Beattie Films
- The Beatles: Get Back
5 comments
Didn’t know this film had so much drama behind the scenes, hope it doesn’t affect the final product. Really excited to see Fortune-Lloyd’s take on Epstein!
oh man, changing directors twice! thats gotta be tough on the crew and cast. Hoping for the best tho, can’t wait for it to hit the big screen.
Seems like a rough journey, making this film. But Epstein’s story is def worth it, such an important figure in music history, ya know? It’s about time!
What a rollercoaster, huh? Always tricky when u change directors, changes the whole vibe. Still excited, hope it lives up to the hype.
Struggles in production can sometimes lead to the best outcomes. I have faith that Midas Man will turn out just fine. Can’t wait to see the result!