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Fab Four Biopic Series: Cast Revealed for Landmark Beatles Films
The actors chosen to depict The Beatles in a groundbreaking series of four films – each movie centered on a different member of the iconic band – have been announced, eliciting diverse reactions. This ambitious cinematic undertaking, helmed by acclaimed director Sir Sam Mendes, will chart the complete journey of the legendary quartet that transformed popular music. This unique biographical project marks the first time all estates of the Fab Four have granted complete life story and music rights for a feature narrative.
The highly anticipated cast was unveiled at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 31st. Taking on the roles of the Liverpool legends are Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.
The Oscar-winning director shared further details about the film series, slated for release starting April 2028, at the convention: “Each film is presented from the specific viewpoint of one band member. These perspectives will intersect in varied ways – sometimes overlapping, sometimes diverging.
“They are four distinct individuals. This project offers an opportunity to understand them on a deeper level. Collectively, these four movies will narrate the saga of arguably the greatest band in history.”
Fan Reactions to Casting
Buzz is building for this unprecedented film series and its innovative approach to recounting The Beatles’ story, generating significant discussion on social media platforms. However, opinions on the casting choices are mixed.
One Reddit user voiced reservations: “While performance quality is paramount over physical resemblance, my mind struggles to picture these actors embodying the Beatles they are meant to portray.”
Conversely, an X user expressed enthusiasm: “The Fab Four are gaining a new echelon of talent. This ensemble cast is poised to redefine the term ‘legendary’.”
Meet the Cast
Here’s a closer look at the performers set to step into the shoes of The Beatles, highlighting their previous work and notable roles:
Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
Selected to embody Paul McCartney, Paul Mescal has consistently impressed audiences with his compelling performances across various media.
The 29-year-old actor refined his skills at The Lir Academy in Dublin and subsequently showcased his talent on stage in the city before achieving prominence in the BBC’s adaptation of Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel, Normal People, in 2020.
Following this breakthrough, he appeared in the TV miniseries The Deceived in the same year and made his cinematic debut in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter in 2021.
Mescal earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 2022’s Aftersun, followed by roles in the musical drama Carmen and All of us Strangers in 2023. He recently starred in Gladiator II, alongside Joseph Quinn, who is also part of the upcoming Beatles project.
Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
The role of John Lennon will be brought to life by Harris Dickinson, a 28-year-old British actor, writer, and director. With a background in performing arts from an early age, Dickinson has cultivated a considerable fanbase and critical acclaim for his stage and screen work.
Dickinson’s professional acting journey commenced with the 2014 short film, Battle Lines. He later featured in two episodes of the popular TV series Silent Witness in 2017, as well as the award-winning independent drama, Beach Rats.
In 2019, he acted alongside Angelina Jolie in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, playing Prince Philip. He also co-starred with Ralph Fiennes in 2021’s The King’s Man.
In 2022, he appeared with Daisy Edgar Jones, Paul Mescal’s co-star in Normal People, in the film adaptation of the bestseller, Where the Crawdads Sing.
His recent performance as a young intern involved in an intense affair with his CEO, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, in Babygirl, has further elevated his public profile.
Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
George Harrison will be portrayed by Joseph Quinn in Mendes’ ambitious project. The 31-year-old London native is an alumnus of the prestigious drama school, LAMDA.
Quinn’s early roles included a leading part in the BBC One series Dickensian from 2015 to 2016. In 2017, he secured roles in programs like Howards End, Timewasters, and an episode of Game of Thrones.
Joseph Quinn’s depiction of Eddie Munson in the highly anticipated fourth season of Stranger Things propelled him to international fame, leading to subsequent roles in significant Hollywood productions.
He starred with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o in A Quiet Place: Day One, shared screen time with Paul Mescal in Gladiator II, and has been cast as Johnny ‘the Human Torch’ Storm in the upcoming Fantastic Four film and Avengers: Doomsday.
On Reddit, fans have lauded his career ascent, with one user commenting: “Joe Quinn’s agent has done exceptional work since Stranger Things“. Another quipped: “Joseph Quinn is transitioning from Fantastic 4 to Fab 4″.
Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
Assuming the role of drummer Ringo Starr is Barry Keoghan, a 32-year-old BAFTA-winning actor. His acting career commenced in 2011, with appearances in television shows including Fair City, Love/Hate, Chernobyl, and Top Boy.
Keoghan initially garnered widespread recognition for his performance in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 war epic, Dunkirk.
His portrayal in Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer also secured him critical acclaim. In 2021, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Druig in Eternals.
The following year, he starred in Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, earning him a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, along with nominations for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His 2023 performance as Oliver Quick in Emerald Fennell’s dark comedy thriller Saltburn received accolades and sparked a surge of viral social media memes and tributes.