Mr. Burton: Harry Lawtey to Star as Young Richard Burton

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Mr. Burton: Harry Lawtey to Star as Young Richard Burton

Harry Lawtey has been cast as a young Richard Burton in the upcoming Mr. Burton, Deadline reported on Wednesday.

Mr. Burton will examine the relationship between Philip Burton (Toby Jones), a Welsh schoolmaster, and Richard Jenkins (Lawtey), a rebellious young schoolboy who dreams of becoming an actor. Mr. Burton takes Richard under his wing, becoming his “tutor, strict taskmaster, and adoptive father.” Richard Jenkins would eventually become Richard Burton, a seven-time Oscar nominee and husband to Elizabeth Taylor.

Lawtey is best known for playing Robert Spearing in the HBO drama series Industry. The British actor appeared in Netflix’s The Pale Blue and headlined ITVX’s rom-com series, You & Me. Lawtey has a role in the highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie A Deux.

Who is Involved in Mr. Burton?

Besides Lawtey, Mr. Burton’s ensemble will feature Toby Jones, Lesley Manville, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, and Aneurin Barnard.

Marc Evans will direct Mr. Burton from a script by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams. Producers include Ed Talfan, Hannah Thomas, and Josh Hyams. Independent Entertainment will be an executive producer. BBC Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales are financing the film in partnership with Creative Wales.

Mr. Burton is looking to start shooting in July 2024 for a 2025 release. Burton, who died in 1984, would have turned 100 in November 2025.