Cowell and his partners at Syco Entertainment have teamed up with bosses at IM Global to develop the movie, which will be based on writer Vivek J. Tiwary's graphic novel about Epstein's life and his time as the Fab Four's manager.

Tiwary has written the script and will serve as co-producer.

A statement from Cowell reads: "I have always been fascinated by Brian Epstein - and his story.

"He played a huge role in The Beatles' incredible success - and, I believe, remains the most talented manager ever. Yet his story has never been fully told. Also, like everyone across the world, I have so much respect for The Beatles and their music, so to be given the chance to be involved in this project was one I just could not pass up."

The Epstein biopic has been in development for years and Bring It On filmmaker Peyton Reed signed on to direct the movie in 2013.

Reed said, "From the moment I read Vivek's graphic novel, I knew I wanted to be the person to bring Brian’s story to the big screen. I'm a lifelong Beatles fan, obviously, but it’s Brian’s fascinating life that really blew me away and drew me to this project. He's the ultimate outsider who, against all odds, became the ultimate insider."