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Cast Announced for Sam Mendes’ Beatles Biopics
The actors set to portray the Fab Four in Sam Mendes’ forthcoming Beatles biographical films have been revealed. Four prominent names have been selected to embody the legendary British band members in a quartet of movies.
Sony Pictures Unveils Beatles Film Project at CinemaCon
Sony Pictures officially confirmed the cast for the highly anticipated four Beatles projects at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas on Monday, ending widespread speculation. The ambitious cinematic undertaking will see all four films released in April 2028.
Star-Studded Lineup to Portray The Beatles
The roles of the iconic musicians will be filled by a talented ensemble:
- Paul Mescal, known for his role in Gladiator II, will depict Paul McCartney.
- Harris Dickinson is set to play John Lennon.
- Barry Keoghan will take on the role of Ringo Starr.
- Joseph Quinn will portray George Harrison in the biographical films about the globally celebrated band.
Director Sam Mendes Presents Cast and Vision
Mendes, 59, attended the CinemaCon event at Caesar’s Palace, where he announced the April release for all four films, collectively titled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event. He introduced the quartet of actors joining him on stage.
Four Films, Four Perspectives on The Beatles
Each film will delve into the individual story of one of the band members. Mendes shared that Sony Pictures’ film division head, Tom Rothman, has described the project as “the first binge-able theatrical experience.”
“We are not just creating one film about The Beatles – we are making four,” Mendes stated, emphasizing the project’s scope. “This is perhaps an opportunity to understand them with greater depth.”
Mendes further commented, “The Beatles transformed my perception of music. I have been striving to create a film about them for several years.”
“I am privileged to be telling the narrative of arguably the greatest rock band in history and enthusiastic about challenging conventional notions of a trip to the cinema,” the filmmaker expressed in 2024.
Homage to The Beatles Onstage
During the CinemaCon presentation, the actors paid tribute to the band by reciting lyrics from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and concluding with a synchronized bow, reminiscent of The Beatles’ stage presence.
Unprecedented Access to The Beatles’ Story
This marks a historic moment as The Beatles and their Apple Corps company have, for the first time, granted comprehensive life story and music rights for a scripted film project.
Production Details
The movies are a joint venture between Sony Pictures and Mendes’ Neal Street Productions company.
Mendes recounted pitching the concept of four films about the “Hey Jude” hitmakers last year, which reportedly impressed Sony executives Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler.
Speaking to Deadline earlier this year, the Skyfall director remarked, “We presented the project in Los Angeles just prior to Christmas, and it’s accurate to say we encountered universal enthusiasm.”
“Sony distinguished itself from other offers due to Tom and Elizabeth’s genuine passion for the concept and dedication to launching these films theatrically in a groundbreaking and exciting manner,” Mendes added.
Release Strategy
Mendes indicated that the four films will be released in close proximity to one another.
“Candidly, we require significant cinematic events to encourage audiences to leave their homes,” the acclaimed director stated.
Mendes’ Directorial Acumen and Cast’s Rising Stardom
Mendes previously garnered the Academy Award for Best Director for his 1999 film American Beauty, and received widespread acclaim for his James Bond film Skyfall (2012) and the war drama 1917 (2019).
Keoghan has experienced a surge in fame in recent years with prominent roles in films such as Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Mescal achieved significant recognition for his role in the BBC series Normal People and has since become a well-known name.
Dickinson garnered attention for his portrayal of a younger love interest in Babygirl.
Quinn gained widespread fame following his performance as Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Stranger Things.
The Beatles’ Enduring Legacy
The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and consisting of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr, remain one of the most influential bands of all time.
They are recognized as pivotal figures in the development of 1960s counterculture and in establishing popular music as a significant art form.