Benedict Cumberbatch will team with his SHERLOCK director Paul McGuigan for an as-yet-untitled biopic on Brain Epstein, The Beatles’ manager during their 1960s heydey.
Unlike previous films involving the Fab Four, Todd Graff’s script focuses on Epstein’s point of view and delves into his early years, including his career-defining signing of The Beatles in 1961. Often referred to as the “fifth Beatle”, Epstein’s star rose to great heights with Beatlemania until his 1967 death from an accidental drug overdose. The upcoming biopic will revolve around Epstein’s quieter, personal battles away from the glare of the spotlight — from his gambling and drug addictions to his closeted homosexuality.
Tom Hanks is signed on to produce under his Playtone company, along with his partner Gary Goetzman. As of yet there is no word on a production start date or whether or not a theatrical release is scheduled for next year.
Regardless of whether or not the Epstein biopic will hit theatres next year, it’s clear that 2013 will be a busy one for Cumberbatch, what with the third season of the hit BBC series SHERLOCK set to air along with his film roles in the upcoming STAR TREK INTO THE DARKNESS, TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE with Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY with Meryl Streep. Add to that the voice work he did for Peter Jackson’s much-anticipated THE HOBBIT trilogy. Cumberbatch will undoubtedly be a red carpet mainstay next year.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
