Pete Best's Niece to Have Significant Role in Sam Mendes' Films about The Beatles

The ensemble for Sam Mendes upcoming four-part Beatles biopic continues to expand, with an intriguing new addition: a family member of the groups original drummer, Pete Best. Actress Leanne Best, Pete Bests niece, has been selected to portray John Lennons aunt, Mimi. Mimi played a crucial role in Lennons upbringing after his father departed and his mother, Julia, began living with another partner.

Even after Lennon reunited with his mother, Mimi remained a central figure in his life, especially following Julias tragic death in a car accident during Lennons teenage years. Her influence was so significant that Lennon later incorporated some of her expressions into the lyrics of Shes Leaving Home, such as Sacrificed most of our lives and Never a thought for ourselves. Mimi was known for her strict guidance, at times discouraging Lennon from pursuing music professionally, suggesting instead that he focus on more conventional careers.

Leanne Best has built a steady acting career since the mid-2000s, appearing in projects including the BBC series Ripper Street and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Her uncle, Pete Best, was the Beatles original drummer from 1960 to 1962 before being replaced by Ringo Starr. Casting for Pete Best in the Mendes films has not yet been announced.

Additional casting news reveals James Norton will play Beatles manager Brian Epstein, David Morrissey will portray Paul McCartneys father, Jim, and Bobby Schofield will appear as the bands road manager Neil Aspinall. Daniel Hoffman-Gill is set to play longtime assistant Mal Evans, Arthur Darvill will take on journalist-turned-press officer Derek Taylor, and Adam Pally will depict Allen Klein, whose management period was controversial just before the Beatles breakup.

The cinematic event, The Beatles A Four-Film Event, is currently in production, with releases scheduled to begin in April 2028. The main cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Female leads recently confirmed are Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey.

Author: Lucas Grant