Beatles fans — brace yourselves — your favorite band is heading to the big screen in a way that’s never been done before. Director Sam Mendes, famously known for 1917 and Skyfall, announced his next ambitious project.
Set to hit theaters in April 2028, a movie series about The Beatles will be released as a four-part biopic. Each film will focus on one iconic band member, hoping to offer a unique perspective on their individual journeys and collective legacy. These new movies come with a lot of anticipation for the latest and unique retelling of the band’s publicized rise and fame.
Also, it’s the first time that the remaining members of The Beatles (Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr) along with Apple Corps Ltd. and the families of George Harrison and John Lennon, have given full approval for a scripted movie that uses their actual stories and music.
“The Beatles changed my understanding of music. Pretty much, they made up my first memories,” Mendes stated. I believe fans can relate. The Beatles are known for their connection to their fans through their music.
Earlier this month, Mendes announced the cast, which is loaded with talent.
Harris Dickinson, known for Babygirl and The King’s Man, is stepping into John Lennon’s iconic shoes. Paul Mescal, known for his roles in Gladiator II, Normal People, and Aftersun, will channel Paul McCartney. Joseph Quinn, popular for his breakout role in season four of Stranger Things and Gladiator II, is rocking the guitar as George Harrison. Barry Keoghan, known for Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, is bringing his unique energy to the role of Ringo Starr.
Mendes announced the project at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, hyping it up as “the first binge-able theatrical experience.” Instead of squeezing the Beatles’ entire journey into one mega-movie or stretching it into a long series, he’s splitting it into four standalone but interconnected films that’ll all be released in the same month.
It’s also rumored that actress Aimee Lou Wood is playing Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife and icon of the 60s. Boyd inspired The Beatles’ hit song “Something” and was part of one of rock’s most talked-about love triangles, fueling excitement about possible romance and drama.
Of course, the internet has opinions on the upcoming biopics. Some fans and critics are side-eyeing the casting because none of the leads are from Liverpool. Critics argue that the Scouse accent of the city is a big part of the Beatles’ identity, and concerns are arising about how authentic the films will feel.
On the other hand, a large audience is excited over the announcement and open to the cast, emphasizing the importance of allowing the creative process to unfold before forming judgments. Many point to the involvement of the Beatles’ surviving members and the deceased members’ families, which lends credibility to the project and suggests a respectful and accurate representation of the band’s legacy. Then, fans are gushing over the lead actors known for their looks and acclaimed past roles.
This whole project comes at a time when music biopics are extremely popular. In recent years, Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and Elvis have taken over Hollywood. Mendes will likely recreate famous concerts and press moments, exploring who the four Beatles were behind the fame.
Even though we’ve got a few years to wait, fans are already hyped for the Beatles biopic. There’s fan art, early predictions, and much debate over which of the band’s eras will hit the hardest. Are we going to cry during their early days in Hamburg, their final concert on a rooftop, or their heartbreaking break-up? Whatever it is, the anticipation building up to this film only makes it all the more exciting to see what’ll be released as filming begins.
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