'The Queen's Gambit' Actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd to Channel Brian Epstein in 'Midas Man' Movie Commenting on the casting, director Jonas Akerlund praises the actor playing chess player-turned-journalist D.L. Townes in the hit Netflix series for being 'charismatic and dark at the same time.' Apr 17, 2021 The Beatles manager Brian Epstein in biopic " Brit Fortune-Lloyd played chess player-turned-journalist D.L. Townes alongside Anya Taylor-Joy in "The Queen's Gambit". Confirming the casting news on Friday, April 16, Akerlund told Deadline, "It is a tall order to fill Brian's shoes, and Jacob is the perfect performer. He is charismatic and dark at the same time, balancing that emotional range where you're not sure if you're in love with him or terribly empathetic with the inner turmoil of his character. No one could bring Brian to life better."