Sam Mendes is set to direct a quartet of Beatles biopics, each focusing on one member of the legendary band. Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson takes on John Lennon, Joseph Quinn plays George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan stars as Ringo Starr. Rumours have also emerged regarding the actors cast as their love interests, including Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Harrison, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey. These casting choices hint at a mix of dramatic tension, romance, and cultural context from the 1960s.
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The films’ scripts are being written by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne, a trio known for their work across theatre, film, and television. Mendes, previously celebrated for directing Skyfall and Spectre, aims to bring the Beatles’ story to a new generation while retaining historical accuracy. The director has secured full access to the band’s musical catalogue through Apple Corps, ensuring the soundtracks and key moments remain faithful to the originals.
Scheduled for release in April 2028, the four films promise to cover different stages of the Beatles’ journey, from their early days in Liverpool to the height of Beatlemania and their final years together. While each film will spotlight one member, the narrative may include flashbacks and intersecting storylines, capturing the personal and creative dynamics that shaped the band. Mendes has emphasised that the films will focus on storytelling rather than sensationalism, balancing historical events with audience engagement.
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The actors are expected to perform their own musical numbers, with Mescal and Keoghan taking singing and instrumental lessons to recreate the iconic performances. Although Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are unlikely to be directly involved, the films have the endorsement of Apple Corps, guaranteeing authenticity. Mendes has indicated that while the biopics will acknowledge the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll lifestyle of the 1960s, the underlying narrative will highlight the enduring friendships and creative genius that defined the Beatles.
