The Beatles: Actors officially confirmed for Sam Mendes biopics and release date revealed
Last year, it was announced that director Sam Mendes would be developing four separate biopic films, each focusing on one member of The Beatles. Now, Mendes has confirmed the release date and casting details for each of these films.
On March 31st, the Oscar-winning director appeared at the annual CinemaCon event in Las Vegas alongside his chosen cast. Mendes confirmed that the parts of Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon would be played by Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson, respectively.
This new incarnation of the Fab Four appeared alongside Mendes at the event in Nevada, where the director also confirmed that all four biopic films will be released within the same month: April 2028.
“We’re not just making one film about The Beatles – we’re making four,” Mendes declared. “Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.”
Mendes went on to say that he has been attempting to construct a film about The Beatles “for years, but I finally gave up”, claiming that the tale of the world’s significant band “was too big for one film.” He affirmed, “There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation,” he continued. “I can assure you there is still plenty left to explore, and I think we found a way to do that.”
Meanwhile, the actors set to play The Beatles recited, “It’s wonderful to be here, it’s certainly a thrill, you’re such a lovely audience, we’d like to take you home with us,” the lyrics from ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
Although the casting was only officially confirmed yesterday, each actor and their respective role had already been the subject of rumours and speculation for months.
Mendes’ planned films have already gained support from surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, while the families of Lennon and Harrison have also given the project the go-ahead. No other scripted film has ever managed to gain the support of the band members or the rights to The Beatles’ music and story from Apple.
Prior to the casting announcement, Starr had already alluded to the fact that Keoghan would be playing him. “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons,” the ‘peace and love’ advocate shared, “and I hope not too many.” Seemingly, audiences will have to wait another three years before finding out whether the actor’s drumming lessons have paid off.
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