At the recent CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Sony Pictures unveiled an exciting project that has been long anticipated by fans of music and film alike: a quadrilogy of biopics centered on the legendary band The Beatles. This ambitious cinematic endeavor, directed by the acclaimed Sam Mendes, will feature four films, each focusing on a different member of the iconic group. The confirmed cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon.
Mendes, who has been developing this project for years, expressed his enthusiasm during the announcement, stating, “I’ve been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years.” He emphasized that while the band’s rise to fame has been well documented, “there is still plenty to explore.” The films are set to premiere in April 2028, with the unique approach of releasing one film per weekend throughout the month. This strategy has been dubbed “the first binge-able theatrical experience,” aiming to draw audiences back to theaters.
The films will not only explore the individual stories of each Beatle but will also intertwine their narratives, showcasing their personal and collective journeys. Mendes explained, “Each one is told from the particular perspective of just one of the guys. They intersect in different ways—sometimes overlapping, sometimes not.” This approach aims to provide a deeper understanding of the four very different personalities that made up The Beatles.
At CinemaCon, Mendes noted the importance of creating significant cinematic events to entice audiences back into theaters, especially as the industry grapples with a challenging box office landscape. According to media analytics company Comscore, box office sales are down 11 percent from the same point in 2024, and nearly 40 percent from 2019. Mendes remarked, “Frankly, we need big cinematic events to get people out of the house.”
The announcement of the Beatles biopics was not without its moments of speculation. Prior to the official reveal, there were hints dropped by various sources, including Ridley Scott, who inadvertently confirmed Mescal’s involvement in the project. Additionally, Ringo Starr himself had teased Keoghan’s casting in a previous interview, further fueling excitement among fans and industry insiders.
Each film in the quadrilogy will focus on a different era of The Beatles’ career, allowing audiences to experience the band’s evolution from their early days to their later, more experimental phases. Mendes shared his vision, stating, “The story was too big for one film, and I didn’t want to make a TV series. There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation.”
While the central cast has been confirmed, there is speculation about additional roles, particularly that of Yoko Ono, who has not yet been cast. Mendes has hinted at more announcements in the future as filming progresses.
As the excitement builds around this project, it’s clear that Mendes and Sony are banking on The Beatles’ enduring legacy to draw audiences back to theaters. The films will be produced in association with Apple Corps, ensuring that the project has the blessing of surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison.
The CinemaCon convention, which attracts thousands of movie theater employees from around the world, serves as a platform for studios to showcase their upcoming projects. This year, the event highlighted not only the Beatles quadrilogy but also various other anticipated films, including the new trailer for Danny Boyle’s zombie sequel, 28 Years Later, and updates on the Spider-Verse franchise.
Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing challenges faced by the film industry, including the impact of the pandemic and recent strikes, the announcement of the Beatles films is seen as a beacon of hope. Mendes’ commitment to telling the Beatles’ story in a fresh and engaging way could very well be the catalyst that reignites interest in theatrical releases.
As the film industry continues to navigate its recovery, the Beatles quadrilogy represents a significant investment in storytelling that resonates with audiences. Mendes’ vision to create a comprehensive cinematic experience around one of the most influential bands in history is not only ambitious but also a testament to the power of film to connect with viewers on a personal level.
With the release date set for April 2028, fans of The Beatles and cinema alike have much to look forward to. As Mendes and his team prepare to bring this iconic band’s story to life, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event in film history.
