The number of The Beatles biopics and the actors playing Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison

Fans of the Beatles have a major cinematic event to look forward to in 2028. Director Sam Mendes is set to create a series of four biographical films, each focusing on one member of the iconic British band, told from their individual perspectives. The project, titled The Beatles a Four-Film Cinematic Event, promises to bring the legendary groups story to life on the big screen with a high-profile cast.

Release Date

The films are scheduled to debut in theaters in April 2028. Specific release dates and the sequence of the films have not yet been confirmed.

Casting the Beatles

At CinemaCon in March, Mendes revealed the actors who will portray the Fab Four:

• Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
• Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
• Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
• Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr

Additional Cast Members

The films will also feature prominent actors portraying the Beatles wives:

• Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, John Lennons wife
• Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Cox, Ringo Starrs wife
• Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, George Harrisons wife
• Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Paul McCartneys wife

Other notable cast members include:

• David Morrissey as Jim McCartney, Pauls father
• Leanne Best as Aunt Mimi, John Lennons aunt
• Bobby Schofield as Neil Aspinall, the groups road manager
• Daniel Hoffmann-Gill as Mal Evans, a roadie
• Arthur Darvill as Derek Taylor, press officer and friend
• Adam Pally as Allen Klein, the bands controversial manager

Music in the Films

The four-film series will feature music by the Beatles, marking the first time the band and Apple Corps Ltd. have authorized their life stories and catalog for scripted biopics. Details about which songs will appear remain undisclosed, but the full Beatles repertoire is available for use.

Involvement of Surviving Members

Ringo Starr has actively participated in the development of his biopic, reviewing the script line by line with Mendes to ensure it accurately represents his personal experiences with the band.

Actors Insights

Paul Mescal has connected with Paul McCartney to prepare for his role, confirming he will perform his own singing. Barry Keoghan described meeting Starr as a nerve-wracking but enlightening experience, focusing on capturing the drummers personality rather than just imitating him. Harris Dickinson acknowledged the challenge of portraying a real-life icon, trusting Mendes to guide the portrayal with care and authenticity. Joseph Quinn expressed excitement and a sense of responsibility in bringing George Harrisons story to the screen.

Author's Commentary: A Closer Look at The Beatles Four-Film Event

The announcement of Sam Mendes directing a four-film series on the Beatles marks an unprecedented approach to biographical storytelling. Each film focusing on a single band member allows for a deep dive into their individual perspectives, promising a nuanced exploration beyond the group dynamic.

The casting choices are notable, with Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan taking on the roles of the Fab Four. Early reports suggest that the actors are actively engaging with the band members or their families to ensure authentic portrayals. This includes Mescal preparing vocally under McCartney’s guidance and Keoghan studying Ringo Starr’s mannerisms.

Musically, the project is significant as it will feature the Beatles’ catalog with full authorization from Apple Corps Ltd., a first for scripted biopics. While specific song selections remain undisclosed, access to the complete repertoire ensures the films can authentically reflect the band’s evolution.

The involvement of surviving members, particularly Ringo Starr’s detailed review of the script, indicates a commitment to accuracy. Mendes’ collaboration with the cast and band members suggests the films will balance historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling, setting expectations high for 2028 releases.

Sources:

• The Beatles biopics: How many films are there? And who will play Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison?

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.