Director Sam Mendes is helming an unprecedented four-part cinematic event delving into the iconic story of The Beatles, with each film offering a distinct perspective from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. This ambitious project, fully sanctioned by the surviving members and the estates of the late bandmates, has officially confirmed its core cast and is in advanced talks for pivotal supporting roles, promising fans a truly immersive and authorized deep dive into the band’s legendary journey and its groundbreaking impact on global culture.
The legendary British rock band, The Beatles, is set to be immortalized on the big screen in a groundbreaking four-part cinematic event directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes. This ambitious project promises to offer an unparalleled look into the band’s history, with each film told from the unique perspective of one of the Fab Four: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
What makes this undertaking truly historic is the fact that it’s the first time Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles — including surviving members McCartney and Starr, and the families of the late Lennon and Harrison — have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. This unprecedented authorization ensures an authentic and deeply personal portrayal of their journey from Liverpool to global superstardom, culminating in their 1970 breakup.
An Unprecedented Cinematic Journey: Four Films, Four Perspectives
When the project was first announced in early 2025, director Sam Mendes expressed his honor in telling “the story of the greatest rock band of all time” and his excitement to “challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.” His vision includes four interconnected films that will intersect to capture the band’s improbable rise and ultimate split.
Sony Pictures Entertainment is financing and will distribute the films worldwide, with all four installments slated to debut in theaters in April 2028. Sony is boldly dubbing this the “first binge-able theatrical experience,” a unique release strategy that has sparked considerable buzz among film and music enthusiasts alike. Mendes believes the story was simply “too big for one film” and that this format allows for a comprehensive exploration for a new generation, as reported by Deadline.
The Fab Four: Who’s Playing John, Paul, George, and Ringo?
After much anticipation and speculation, Sony Pictures officially confirmed the lead cast for the biopics at CinemaCon 2025. This reveal was a momentous occasion, bringing together the actors who will portray the legendary musicians:
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
The actors appeared onstage at the Las Vegas event on March 31, 2025, to ring in the news, solidifying months of rumors that had captivated the fan community. The official announcement marked a significant milestone for the project, setting the stage for what promises to be a series of iconic performances.
The casting choices have been met with enthusiasm, especially given the actors’ recent notable performances. Ringo Starr himself, when asked about Barry Keoghan potentially playing him, remarked, “Well, I think he’s great, and I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons,” adding that he hoped Keoghan wouldn’t take “too many lessons” to find his own style, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. Similarly, Paul Mescal addressed speculation about playing McCartney, calling the potential opportunity “a dream come true” in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
The Iconic Partners: Casting Yoko Ono, Pattie Boyd, and More
The women who played pivotal roles in the lives of The Beatles are also being brought to life by a talented ensemble. The confirmed and strongly rumored castings for these significant figures include:
- Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney’s first wife and a renowned photographer and musician. Ronan’s casting was reported by Deadline.
- Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey, Ringo Starr’s first wife. News of her casting followed shortly after Ronan’s, as noted by Variety.
- Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, the avant-garde artist and singer-songwriter who married John Lennon and became a major creative influence. While Tokyo Weekender reported Sawai “has landed” the iconic role, Variety more cautiously stated she is “circling” the role, with deals not yet signed.
- Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, the celebrated model who married George Harrison and later Eric Clapton. Similar to Sawai, Wood is reportedly “circling” the role and “in talks,” with her deal not yet finalized, according to Variety. Boyd herself posted on social media that the prospect of Wood playing her was “big news” and she was “looking forward (hoping) to meet” the actor.
Sam Mendes’ Vision: A “Binge-able Theatrical Experience”
The concept of four interconnected films, each from a different Beatle’s point of view, is a bold artistic choice by Sam Mendes. He outlined his rationale at CinemaCon, stating that a single film couldn’t encompass the magnitude of their story, nor would a TV series feel appropriate. The tagline, “each man has his own story, but together they are legendary,” encapsulates the unique narrative approach.
This innovative storytelling structure, coupled with the “binge-able theatrical experience” release strategy, aims to redefine how audiences engage with historical narratives on the big screen. The ambition is not just to tell a story, but to create a cultural event that resonates globally.
Release Schedule and Production Insights
All four films are scheduled for a theatrical release in April 2028, distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment. While the exact release timeline (e.g., whether they drop simultaneously, weekly, or monthly) remains unclear, Sony has promised an “innovative and groundbreaking” dating cadence. Filming in London is reportedly scheduled to begin in July 2025, with Mendes anticipating over a year of shooting for all four features.
Authoritative Backing: The Beatles’ Stamp of Approval
The full cooperation and authorization from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison is a cornerstone of this project. This level of access to the band’s life story and music rights is unprecedented for a scripted feature film, ensuring that the biopics will delve into their lives with an authenticity rarely seen. This official sanctioning means fans can expect a portrayal that reflects the band’s own legacy and perspective.
Ringo Starr’s Personal Touch on the Script
The involvement of the surviving Beatles extends beyond mere approval. Ringo Starr, for example, met with director Sam Mendes to discuss early drafts of the script. Starr revealed in an interview with The New York Times that he had concerns about the initial depiction of his first marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett. “That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that,’” he explained, highlighting his direct input into shaping the narrative. Starr was ultimately pleased with the script changes, though he expressed some concern about Mendes’ plan to film all four movies simultaneously.
Meet the Talent Behind the Iconic Roles
The selection of actors to portray not just The Beatles but also the pivotal figures in their lives speaks to the high stakes and grand scale of this cinematic event. Each actor brings a unique background and acclaimed talent to these beloved characters.
Anna Sawai: From Shogun Star to Yoko Ono
Anna Sawai, at 33, has quickly risen to international prominence. Before her breakthrough, she was a singer in the Japanese girl group FAKY. Her captivating performances in the Apple TV+ series Pachinko and her Emmy-winning role in Shogun, where she became the first Japanese actress to win for lead actress, have cemented her status as a formidable talent. Sawai is also slated to appear in upcoming films like How to Rob a Bank and Enemies. Her dynamic presence is expected to bring depth to the complex portrayal of Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s artistic partner and wife.
Aimee Lou Wood: White Lotus Breakout as Pattie Boyd
Aimee Lou Wood, 31, first gained widespread recognition for her role in the Netflix teen dramedy Sex Education. She continued to impress audiences with her performance opposite Bill Nighy in the 2022 film Living and earned her first Emmy nomination in 2025 for her role in the third season of HBO’s The White Lotus. Wood’s ability to blend vulnerability with sharp wit makes her an intriguing choice to portray Pattie Boyd, a model who became a sensation in 1960s swinging London and was a muse to both George Harrison and Eric Clapton.
The Fan Community Reacts: Excitement and Speculation
The news of these biopics has ignited the global Beatles fan community. Discussions across forums and social media are buzzing with theories about which songs will be featured, how certain iconic moments will be depicted, and the overall impact of presenting four distinct narratives. The casting choices, in particular, have been a hot topic, with many fans sharing their excitement for the chosen actors and their potential to embody such legendary figures.
This four-film cinematic event stands as a monumental undertaking, promising not just a retelling of history but a deeply personal, authorized, and innovative exploration of one of the most influential bands of all time. With a talented cast, visionary director, and unprecedented access, The Beatles biopics are set to be a definitive cultural moment in 2028.
