Independent Entertainment has sold UK and Ireland rights to Icon Film Distribution, who will release the film theatrically in 2025 to coincide with the centenary of Burton’s birth.
As we first revealed, the film will tell the true story of the relationship between Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins. The latter dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognised the raw talent in his pupil, and made it his mission to fight for him, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father. Actor Burton would go on to be nominated for seven Oscars and was well known for his turbulent marriage to Elizabeth Taylor.
BAFTA winner Toby Jones ( Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy ), coming off his acclaimed performance in ITV series Mr Bates vs. The Post Office , will star in the title role, with Oscar nominee Lesley Manville ( Phantom Thread , ) playing ‘Ma Smith’, Philip Burton’s landlady and close confidante. Industry star Harry Lawtey, who plays Harvey Dent in upcoming Joker: Folie a Deux , will star as a young Richard Burton. Below is a first look image of the movie.
Aimee-Ffion Edwards ( Slow Horses ) and Aneurin Barnard ( Dunkirk ) round out the cast as ‘Cis’ and ‘Elfed’, respectively, Richard’s eldest sister and brother-in-law who looked after him after the death of his mother. Steffan Rhodri ( Men Up ) stars as Richard’s father, Dic Jenkins.
The film is directed by Marc Evans ( Manhunt ) from a script written by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams. Ed Talfan ( Havoc ) and Hannah Thomas ( I Am Not A Witch ) will produce for Severn Screen, alongside Promise Pictures’ Josh Hyams and Brookstreet Pictures’ Trevor Matthews.
Pic is being financed by BBC Wales, Principal Film Finance, Moo Studios and Ffilm Cymru Wales awarding National Lottery funding and by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. Independent Entertainment is executive-producing and handling worldwide sales.
Spencer Pollard, CEO Icon Film Distribution, said: “We are very excited to be working with such a talented team on Mr Burton . The script blew us away and we cannot wait to share it with audiences next year in the 100th anniversary of Richard Burton’s birth.”
Ed Talfan, producer from Severn Screen, commented: “Marc Evans and his amazing cast have created a deeply moving film, telling the untold story of Richard Burton’s formative years. We can’t wait to share the film with audiences in 2025.”
Cora Palfrey, COO Independent Entertainment, noted: “We are excited to be partnering with Spencer Pollard and his team at Icon for the theatrical release of this incredible biopic directed by Marc Evans. We can’t wait for audiences to be inspired and discover more about the man who shaped one of the greatest actors of all times, Richard Burton.”
Mr Burton first look image, courtesy Independent Entertainment.
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