'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 i...