Beatles manager film ‘Midas Man’ shuts down mid-shoot
Director of 'Midas Man', Jonas Akerlund, is "taking a break from the film"
By Jen Thomas
The upcoming Beatles manager biopic ‘Midas Man’ has shut down mid-shoot.
The film was based around Beatles manager Brian Epstein, and cast in project included ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ star Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Epstein.
Director Jonas Akerlund is unlikely to continue, according to Deadline.
Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Lukas Gage, Rosie Day and Bill Milner are also due to star.
“The director of ‘Midas Man’, Jonas Akerlund, is taking a break from the film,” the production told Deadline.
“Until some matters become clearer, we are not able to add any further comment to this statement. In the meantime, we can confirm that filming of ‘Midas Man’ will continue in London in November before breaking for Christmas. Filming will restart in early January in Los Angeles.”
Sources close to the production claim it is unlikely that the director will return to filming.
There are claims that discussions are underway with a new director.
Sources claim the departure of Akerlund is partly due to other work commitments getting in the way of the project.
Reports claim that crew were given a week’s notice of termination, with their last day being this Friday, November 5.
It’s alleged that crew members have been told the project will restart. No exact date has been given, just that the aim is to restart “in coming months.”
Deadline reported that one additional producer has been brought in to help the project since it started.
They also said that finance remains in place to ensure filming is completed.
Akerlund is best known for movies such as ‘Lords of Chaos’ and ‘Polar’ with Mads Mikkelsen.
He is also well regarded for directing music videos for some of the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Madonna and Taylor Swift.
The film will focus on Epstein’s history and role in pop music. He was the manager for the band from 1962 until 1967 when he died at the age of 32.
As well as The Beatles he also managed Gerry and the Pacemakers and Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas.