In a long-anticipated announcement, the existence of four separate films dedicated to The Beatles has been officially confirmed. This monumental cinematic undertaking, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, will be guided by the Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes. The project will feature a quartet of highly sought-after young British and Irish actors portraying the legendary musicians. Paul Mescal will embody Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan, known for his role in Saltburn, will portray Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson from Babygirl will take on the role of John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn, recognized from Gladiator II, will portray George Harrison.
The visionary director solidified these exciting details at CinemaCon, where he revealed the core concept behind the four projects: \"Each man has his own story, but together they are legendary.\" These films are designed as interconnected biopics, each focusing on one band member's viewpoint. While the precise release sequence remains undisclosed, all four films are slated to premiere in April 2028, promising what Mendes describes as the first \"bingeable moment in cinema.\" This innovative release strategy aims to offer an experience akin to a double 'Barbenheimer' event.
The screenplays for these highly anticipated films will be penned by a distinguished team of writers: Tony Award winner Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, a recent Oscar recipient for Conclave, and Jack Thorne, an Emmy winner for Adolescence. The specific film each writer will tackle has not yet been announced, adding an element of intrigue to the creative process.
Mendes articulated his profound respect for The Beatles, hailing them as \"the most significant band of all time,\" a group that \"redefined the culture and stayed with you for a lifetime.\" He explained his prolonged effort to bring their story to the screen, acknowledging that a single film would be insufficient to encompass their vast narrative, and a television series didn't quite fit the grand scale of their impact. Mendes emphasized the need for a fresh approach to present this epic tale to a new generation, assuring that there is still ample ground to explore and that a compelling method has been discovered to do so.
Adding another layer of excitement to the project, Deadline has reported that four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan will join the cast, taking on the role of Linda McCartney, Paul's first wife. It is widely expected that the pioneering photographer and musician, who married Paul in 1969, will play a significant role in the film centered around Paul. Her screen time in the other three projects is yet to be determined, keeping fans eager for further casting news and production updates.