'Mr. Burton' Sets Spring Release for Actor Biopic

The Oscars Primetime telecast may signal the end of awards season, but the next wave of awards contenders are already gearing up to take the public's attention. Even before the Academy Awards announced its nominations for the year that was 2024, Sundance was introducing the tentative hopefuls, and Berlinale was parsing through the possible contenders. But not every film will reserve itself for the film festival circuit. One British biopic, Mr. Burton, about the rise of Welsh actor Richard Burton, is heading to the theaters at the height of spring, in hopes that nominations will bloom.

Born in 1925, Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. grew up in the mining town of Pontrhydyfen, Glamorgan, Wales, the twelfth of thirteen children born into a Welsh-speaking family. His father, who he was named for, was, in Jenkins's own words "a 12 pint a day man," when he wasn't underground, and his mother died when Richard was barely two after complications with her 13th delivery. Richard was raised by his oldest sister and her husband, Cecilia and Elfed James. 

But it wasn't until he made it to secondary school, the first in his family to go past the Welsh equivalent of 8th grade, that he met the father figure who would redirect his life. His schoolmaster, Philip Burton, saw the talent in the teenage Richard, and introduced him to William Shakespeare, inspiring him to become one of the world's greatest actors of the mid-20th century. In gratitude, Richard took Burton's surname when he renamed himself for the stage.

Here is the film's synopsis:

Based on a remarkable true story, discover how the poor son of a miner became one of the greatest actors the world has ever known, with the help of an unlikely mentor.

In the Welsh town of Port Talbot, 1942, Richard Jenkins lives as a wayward schoolboy, caught between the pressures of his struggling family, a devastating war, and his own ambitions. However, a new opportunity arises when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton.

Taking Richard under his wing, the young man thrives thanks to Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of kindly landlady, Ma Smith. However, as the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.

Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office) stars as the titular teacher who changed one kid's life trajectory. Harry Lawtey (Industry) plays Richard Jenkins, the young actor who would change his last name and become a screen legend. They 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 U.S theaters on Friday, April 4, 2025.