Fans of The Beatles woke up to a surprise announcement on April 1, 2025, revealing the cast for the upcoming four-film biopic titled "The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event." The films, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes, are set to be released in April 2028, and feature a star-studded lineup of actors portraying the iconic members of the legendary band.
Harris Dickinson, known for his roles in "Blitz" and "Where the Crawdads Sing," will take on the role of John Lennon. Paul Mescal, who gained fame from the hit series "Normal People," will portray Sir Paul McCartney. Barry Keoghan, recognized for his performance in "Masters of the Air," will depict Sir Ringo Starr, while Joseph Quinn, famed for his role in "Stranger Things," will play George Harrison.
The announcement was made at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas, where Sir Sam Mendes described the project as the "first binge-able theatrical experience." He expressed his long-standing desire to tell the story of The Beatles, stating, "I’ve been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years." This ambitious project marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Apple Corps Ltd and the surviving members of The Beatles, along with the families of Lennon and Harrison, have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, many fans took to social media to express their confusion and skepticism regarding the casting choices. Comments flooded in from fans who felt the actors did not resemble the original band members. One user remarked, "That man is not George Harrison in any way lol," while another questioned, "They don’t look anything like The Beatles. There were no no-name up and coming actors that looked like the band?"
Others echoed similar sentiments, with a user stating, "Even if I squint, I don’t see The Beatles," while yet another commented, "It’s horribly miscast. Only thing in common is they’re both vaguely weird looking." Some fans even speculated that the announcement might be an elaborate April Fools' joke, with one commenting, "No way it’s real, I thought it was an April fools post."
However, not everyone was critical. Some fans defended the casting, arguing that acting talent should take precedence over physical resemblance. One supporter remarked, "People moaning about resemblance for the umpteenth time as if they hadn’t been shown time and time again that acting talent is way more important than who looks like who." Another fan expressed excitement, stating, "The upcoming four biopics for The Beatles may just be THE cinematic event of the 2020s. I am SO excited for these films."
The anticipation for the films is palpable, yet some fans voiced concerns about the logistics of watching four interconnected films in a single month. One fan noted, "I love The Beatles, but I don’t know how many people are gonna go to the cinema four times in one month for one interconnected project."
Sir Ringo Starr had previously hinted at the casting of Barry Keoghan, saying, "I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many." This playful comment adds a layer of humor to the casting process. Additionally, Sir Ridley Scott, while promoting his film "Gladiator II" last year, revealed that Mescal was joining the Beatles project, indicating the high-profile nature of the cast.
The Beatles, formed in 1960, are celebrated as the best-selling musical act of all time, having achieved 18 UK number one singles and 16 UK number one albums. Their influence on music and culture is undeniable, making this biopic a highly anticipated event for fans and filmmakers alike.
Previous films about The Beatles have explored various aspects of their lives, including "Nowhere Boy," which focused on John Lennon’s early years, and "Yesterday," which presented a fictional narrative inspired by their music. However, this new project aims to provide a comprehensive portrayal of the band, with the full backing of its surviving members.
As excitement builds for the release of "The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event," fans are left with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. The casting choices have sparked debate, but the project's significance in the realm of biographical films about the legendary band cannot be understated. With the promise of a unique cinematic experience, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these four films unfold in 2028.
