Hollywood studio executives are making their case for theatergoing with a little help from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – along with the newly announced stars set to play them. Sony Pictures kicked off the annual CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Monday, March 31, 2025, by touting not one but four upcoming biopics told from the perspective of each member of The Beatles.
The studio confirmed and brought out the long-rumored leads for each film: Paul Mescal as McCartney, Harris Dickinson as Lennon, Joseph Quinn as Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Starr. The casting of these actors is hardly a surprise, as reports last year indicated that this upcoming Beatles Cinematic Universe (BCU) had found its stars. Initially, it was rumored that Charlie Rowe (known for his role in Rocketman) would play Harrison, but in the end, Quinn, best recognized for his performances in Netflix's hit show Stranger Things and the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, landed the role.
On stage, the four actors recited from the band’s iconic song ‘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.” Director Sam Mendes, known for acclaimed films like Skyfall and 1917, stated that all four films will premiere in April 2028, calling it the “first binge-able theatrical experience.” Mendes expressed his long-standing desire to create a story about The Beatles, saying, “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.”
Mendes emphasized the cultural impact of The Beatles, stating that they “redefined the culture and stayed with you for a lifetime,” and dubbed them “the most significant band of all time.” He noted that the four films will be released “in proximity” to each other, adding, “Frankly, we need big cinematic events to get people out of the house.”
Joining Mendes on stage was CEO Tom Rothman, who encouraged movie theater owners to get creative with weekday discounts to entice audiences. Sony executive Adam Bergerman made the case for keeping films in cinemas for longer periods, highlighting the need for a robust theatrical experience.
The convention comes fresh off an Oscars rallying cry for seeing movies in theaters. While accepting the award for Best Director at the Academy Awards, Anora director Sean Baker passionately expressed his love for the “communal experience you don’t get at home,” urging attendees to support endangered independent cinemas. “Please try to watch movies in the cinema,” pleaded Baker, echoing the sentiments of many in the industry.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Beatles films, the overall box office performance in Hollywood has been underwhelming. According to media analytics company Comscore, sales are down 11 percent from the same point in 2024 and nearly 40 percent from 2019. This decline has raised concerns among studio executives about the future of theatergoing.
As the CinemaCon convention continues, the emphasis remains on revitalizing interest in cinemas through innovative programming and the promise of exciting new content. The Beatles biopics are positioned as a significant part of this strategy, aiming to draw audiences back to theaters and rekindle a love for the cinematic experience.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the Beatles films, the weather in Las Vegas has also been a topic of discussion. Significant rainfall is expected midweek, specifically from Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025, through early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025. Forecasts predict total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm, with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Rain is set to begin over extreme southwestern Ontario before reaching the Golden Horseshoe on Wednesday afternoon. With thunderstorms expected, rainfall amounts may exceed 50 mm over some areas, particularly in southwestern Ontario, leading to potential localized flooding in low-lying areas.
As attendees at CinemaCon enjoy the presentations and announcements, they are also keeping an eye on the weather, which could impact travel and logistics for the event. The combination of thrilling announcements in film and the unpredictability of the weather makes for an engaging atmosphere at this year’s convention.
Overall, the CinemaCon event serves as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling through film, especially with the upcoming Beatles biopics that promise to bring new life to the legendary band's story. As the industry navigates through challenging times, the hope is that these cinematic experiences will not only entertain but also inspire a new generation to appreciate the magic of the big screen.
