'Industry's Harry Lawtey Is Young Richard Burton in 'Mr. Burton'

Long before "Bennifer" got back together 20 years after their original breakup, got re-engaged, and now divorced, when someone brought up the celebrity couple who couldn't stay broken up despite how toxic they were for each other, two people worthy of their full names sprang to mind: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Taylor remained the most famous of the two after their relationship crumbled for the final time, partly due to being American (despite being born in London) and also outliving him; Richard Burton died in 1984. However, 40 years on, Burton's rise from Welsh teen Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. to Oscar-winning actor is the subject of a new film, Mr. Burton.

Before we go any further, the film's title technically does not refer to Richard but to the man whose last name he adopted upon breaking into show business, Welsh schoolmaster Philip Burton. The actor was the 12th of 13 children born to coal miner Richard Sr. and barmaid Edith in 1925; Richard's mother died after giving birth to her last child when Richard was two, leaving his eldest sister, Cecilia James, to care for him with her husband. He was the first in his family to attend secondary school, Port Talbot, where he met Philip Burton, an aspiring playwright, who saw Richard's talent and helped the young man take charge of his life and career.

Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office) will star in the title role of Philip Burton, with Harry Lawtey (Industry) taking on the role of young Richard Jenkins before he became known as Burton. The film is planned for release in 2025, in conjunction with the centenary of Richard's birth.

Here's the film's synopsis:

Mr. Burton tells 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 family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognized 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.

Jones and Lawtey will be joined by Lesley Manville (Moonflower Murders), playing Ma Smith, Philip Burton’s landlady and close confidante; Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Slow Horses), playing Richard's elder sister, Cecilia; Aneurin Barnard (Time) plays Cis' husband, Elfed James; and Steffan Rhodri (Steeltown Murders) is Richard’s father, Dic Jenkins.

Director Marc Evans (Manhunt) helms the film from a script by Welsh author Tom Bullough and Promise Pictures’ producer Josh Hyams. Hyams also executive produces, with Ed Talfan & Hannah Thomas for Severn Screen and Brookstreet Pictures’ Trevor Matthews.

Mr. Burton will arrive in theaters in 2025.