LAS VEGAS – In a bold cinematic announcement, director Sam Mendes confirmed the main cast and release date for his ambitious four-part Beatles biopic at Sony’s CinemaCon, held on March 31, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Each film will focus on a different member of the legendary band, with all four set to premiere in April 2028.
The star-studded cast includes Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Mendes described the project as the first "bingeable theatrical experience," a unique opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the individual stories of The Beatles.
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, introduced Mendes during the presentation, emphasizing the significance of this project. While Rothman has often been criticized for playing it safe in his role, he acknowledged that this venture is a significant gamble. Mendes has been eager to tell the story of The Beatles for years, and now, with the support of Rothman and Sony, he is set to bring it to life.
At CinemaCon, Mendes expressed his excitement, stating, "I’ve been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years." The films will be produced by Neal Street Productions in association with Apple Corps, the holding company for The Beatles, which is still run by surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with the descendants of George Harrison and John Lennon.
The Beatles, known for their groundbreaking music and cultural impact, previously starred in several films during their career, including classics like A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, and Yellow Submarine. This new series represents the first scripted films to be granted access to the band's music and life rights.
As the announcement reverberated through the audience, the cast members took the stage, delighting fans with a quote from the Beatles’ classic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: "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." This moment underscored the excitement surrounding the project and the enduring legacy of the band.
While the actors have not yet met their real-life counterparts, there is speculation about potential interactions. Keoghan, who has portrayed complex characters in films like The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Banshees of Inisherin, may seek advice from Ringo Starr to embody the iconic drummer authentically. Similarly, Mescal, known for his roles in Aftersun and All of Us Strangers, could reach out to McCartney for insights on playing the beloved bassist.
Filming is expected to begin in 2026 and will span a year, allowing the creative team to delve deep into the lives of the band members. Mendes hinted at a specific viewing order for the films, though he refrained from disclosing it, suggesting that each installment will reveal unique aspects of the Beatles' story.
The announcement comes at a time when the film industry is grappling with a significant box office deficit. According to media analytics company Comscore, sales are down 11% from the same point in 2024 and nearly 40% from 2019. Mendes and Rothman hope that the Beatles biopics will reignite interest in theaters.
Additionally, the Beatles recently won the Best Rock Performance award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for "Now and Then," a digitally restored demo from John Lennon dating back to the 1970s. This recognition highlights the band's continued relevance in today's music landscape.
As the Beatles biopic project unfolds, it marks a significant moment in cinematic history. The four films promise to explore the individual narratives of each member while celebrating their collective legacy. Mendes and his team are poised to dominate the cultural conversation in April 2028, with a release strategy that is both innovative and ambitious.
With this announcement, Sony Pictures is making a strong case for the future of theatrical experiences. The CinemaCon event serves as a platform for studios to showcase their upcoming projects, and Sony's unveiling of the Beatles biopics is certain to be a highlight. The excitement surrounding this cinematic event reflects the enduring fascination with The Beatles and their impact on music and culture.
As fans eagerly await the release of these films, the anticipation is palpable. The Beatles’ story is one of triumph, creativity, and enduring legacy, and Mendes’ vision promises to bring this narrative to life in an unprecedented way.
In a world where streaming dominates, the Beatles biopics aim to create a shared experience for audiences, inviting them to gather in theaters and celebrate the music and stories of one of the most influential bands in history.
