BBC confirms new biopic series on The Beatles’ early days
The BBC have confirmed plans for a six-part biopic series on The Beatles‘ early days in Hamburg.
Before they became the biggest band in the world, The Beatles cut their teeth in the clubs of Hamburg during five residencies between 1960 and 1962, performing multiple shows each day which honed their ability as a live act.
Now, it is set to be explored in the new series, Hamburg Days, which is a W&B Television (a LEONINE Company) and Turbine Studios production for ZDF, the BBC and AGC Television.
The series is based on Klaus Voormann’s autobiography, who also will work as a consultant on Hamburg Days.
Sue Deeks, head of scripted pre-buy acquisitions at the BBC, said in a statement, “Hamburg Days is the fascinating story of how, in the space of two short years, a raw young band from Liverpool honed their music skills in Hamburg, before returning home to become an overnight worldwide success. It is an incredible story, accompanied (of course) by an amazing soundtrack!”
Notable crew include Benjamin Benedict, who developed it, as well as Succession’s Jamie Carragher, who serves as head writer. Meanwhile, Supersonic’s Mat Whitcross is on directorial duties and Christian Schwochow is the showrunner.
Musician David Holmes, who has produced records for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Primal Scream as well as the soundtrack for Killing Eve, is handling the soundtrack.
A synopsis for the series reads: “In the smoke-filled clubs of Hamburg’s St. Pauli’s red-light district, an inexperienced young rock ‘n’ roll band from Liverpool collide with two young artists, Klaus Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr. Together they help spark a transformation that turns a scrappy group of teenagers into the greatest music phenomenon the world has ever known: The Beatles.”
No casting information has been revealed.
Notably, this isn’t the only Beatles biopic in the works. Sam Mendes’ The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event will take place across four movies and explore the story of The Beatles from the perspectives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are set to be released in cinemas in 2028.
The all-star cast includes Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan, Saoirse Ronan, Aimee Lou Wood, Anna Sawai, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and James Norton.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Beatles Newsletter
All the latest stories about The Beatles from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.