Who, exactly, is the ‘Fifth Beatle’? Many have had that title bestowed upon them, deemed the essential but just-out-of-frame counterpart to Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. There’s producer George Martin, who worked extensively with the band in the studio, or road manager Neil Aspinall, and press officer Derek Taylor. But one of the top contenders for that title has always been Brian Epstein – the man who discovered the Fab Four in Liverpool, helped usher them into the spotlight, and died at the tender age of 32. Now, his story – and a slice of music history – is being told in biopic Midas Man, starring The Queen’s Gambit’s Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein.
Empire has been working eight days a week to bring you an exclusive first-look clip from the film – featuring not just one but two ‘Fifth Beatles’, depicting a pivotal point in Beatles history: the moment in which Epstein fires original drummer Pete Best (played here by Adam Lawrence), who would go on to be replaced by Ringo Starr. Watch it here:
Here’s the official Midas Man synopsis: “Meet Brian Epstein, a man who lived a thousand lives in a few short years, a visionary who transformed music history. From running a Liverpool record store to shaping the sound of a generation, Epstein's journey is a rollercoaster of ambition, passion, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd stars as the mastermind behind The Beatles’ meteoric rise, navigating a whirlwind of unprecedented fame, cultural revolution, and personal demons. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a man seeking acceptance and love in a world not ready. Midas Man peels back the curtain on the swinging ‘60s, revealing the triumphs, heartbreaks, and secrets of the man who changed the face of music forever. Step into Brian’s world, where every touch turns to gold, but the most precious treasure remains just out of reach.”
The film also stars Emily Watson and Eddie Marsan, with the Beatles members played by Blake Richardson (McCartney), Jonah Lees (Lennon), Leo Harvey-Elledge (Harrison), and Campbell Wallace (Starr). Here’s the official poster art:
See if Midas Man can conjure a slice of cinematic Beatlemania when it streams on Prime Video from 30 October.