Director Sam Mendes has officially unveiled the cast for his highly anticipated Beatles biopic series at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. The announcement, made on March 31, 2025, reveals that Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon, Paul Mescal will take on the role of Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan will embody Ringo Starr. This film series, collectively titled "The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event," is set to hit theaters in April 2028.
Mendes, known for his Oscar-winning films such as "1917" and "Skyfall," expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "We’re not just making one film about the Beatles — we’re making four. Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply." Each of the four films will focus on the individual stories of the band members, providing a unique perspective on the iconic group.
During the CinemaCon event, Mendes brought the four actors on stage, where they recited lyrics from the Beatles’ classic song "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band." The lyrics, which include lines like, "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," set a celebratory tone for the announcement.
The films will be produced by Mendes along with Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor under the banner of Neal Street Productions, in association with Apple Corps for Sony Pictures. Mendes described the series as "the first binge-able theatrical experience," indicating that the films will be interconnected yet distinct in their storytelling.
Each film will explore the life and experiences of a different member of the Beatles, with the official logline stating, "Each man has his own story, but together they are legendary." This innovative approach aims to provide audiences with a comprehensive understanding of the band that redefined music and culture.
In a statement, Mendes emphasized the significance of the Beatles, calling them "perhaps the most significant band of all time," and noted the importance of bringing their stories to a new generation. He shared his desire to tell the epic story in a way that had never been done before, saying, "There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation. I can assure you there is still plenty left to explore and I think we found a way to do that."
Ringo Starr, who is now 84, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "My life as a lad, John’s life, Paul’s life, George’s life, I mean, it must interact in some way. There’ll be Beatles in mine around when I joined, and there’ll be Beatles in Paul’s. We’ll all be there. So I’m excited to see what he does with it."
Paul McCartney, now 82, along with Starr and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison, have given their blessing for the biopic series. This marks the first time that Apple Corps and the Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film, showcasing the trust and collaboration between the filmmakers and the legendary band.
Prior to the official announcement, there had been speculation regarding the casting of the actors. In November 2024, Mescal hinted at the possibility of being involved in a Beatles project, stating to Entertainment Tonight, "It would be an incredible story to be attached to. The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, like truly, it would be a dream come true."
The announcement at CinemaCon has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Mendes’ vision for the project aims to create a theatrical experience that not only entertains but also educates audiences about the lives of the Beatles.
As the Beatles continue to influence music and culture decades after their peak, this biopic series promises to delve into the complexities of their individual lives while celebrating their collective legacy. With the release date set for April 2028, fans are eagerly anticipating what Mendes and his cast will bring to the big screen.
In a world where cinematic experiences are increasingly shifting towards streaming, Mendes believes that this series will remind audiences of the power of the theater. He stated, "Frankly, we need big cinematic events to get people out of the house." The Beatles biopic series, with its unique format and storytelling approach, could very well be the event that draws audiences back to cinemas.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Mendes’ Beatles project stands out as a bold and innovative endeavor. The combination of a renowned director, a talented cast, and the backing of the legendary band sets the stage for what could be a groundbreaking cinematic experience. Fans of the Beatles and cinema alike will be watching closely as this ambitious project develops in the coming years.
