Beating long odds, Sony is moving forward with four Beatles biopics that reinterpret the band’s story from four distinct viewpoints. Sam Mendes will direct the quartet, with Paul Mescal cast as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Mendes has described the venture as a bold slate of cinematic events designed to lure audiences back to theaters.
Release plan
All four films are slated to hit cinemas in April 2028. Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman has framed the project as a first‑of‑its‑kind, bingeable theatrical experience rather than a traditional rollout. The exact order and release dates have not been disclosed.
Cast and roles
Mescal will portray McCartney, Dickinson the Beatle Lennon, Quinn Harrison, and Keoghan Starr. The ensemble also includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Paul’s late wife, with additional casting expected to flesh out the supporting lineup around the Fab Four.
Music rights and scope
Apple Corps has granted life‑story and music‑use rights for these scripted films, a notable departure from past Beatles bios that faced licensing hurdles. While specific songs aren’t confirmed, the team has access to the full catalog for the project.
Story structure
Screenwriters Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne are crafting interconnected narratives, each told from a different member’s perspective. The approach aims to weave the four arcs into a cohesive arc spanning the band’s rise, peak years, breakup, and solo chapters.
Surviving Beatles’ blessing
Ringo Starr publicly endorsed the Mendes project, even commenting on Keoghan’s casting. Paul McCartney has not yet publicized a response. Sony is producing in partnership with Apple Corps, ensuring involvement from the surviving members and the Lennon and Harrison estates.
Additional casting
In addition to the core quartet, Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of Linda McCartney signals a broader ensemble. The films are expected to feature other pivotal figures from the Beatles era as the story unfolds.
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