The long-awaited Beatles biopics are finally taking shape, with four major stars confirmed to portray the iconic Fab Four.
At CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, director Sam Mendes revealed the cast for his ambitious project, which will consist of four separate films, each focusing on one of the legendary band members.
These films, collectively titled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, are set to hit theaters in April 2028.
Four Major Actors to Portray the Beatles
The cast for the highly anticipated Beatles biopics features some of Hollywood’s brightest talents.
Paul Mescal, the breakout star of Gladiator II, will take on the role of Paul McCartney.
Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan will star as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn, known for his standout performance in Stranger Things, will portray George Harrison.
Mendes, who introduced the cast at the Caesar’s Palace event, explained that each film would focus on the life and legacy of a different Beatles member.
This unique approach is what Mendes believes will allow audiences to understand the group more deeply, offering a new perspective on their extraordinary journey.
A Groundbreaking Cinematic Experience
According to Mendes, the decision to create four films instead of one was driven by the enormity of The Beatles’ story.
“The Beatles’ story is too big for just one film,” Mendes said at CinemaCon.
“I wanted to make something fresh and cinematic—something that a new generation of fans could connect with.”
The films are expected to be a “binge-able cinematic experience,” as described by Sony’s film head, Tom Rothman.
This means all four films will be released in the same month, allowing fans to immerse themselves fully in The Beatles’ journey over a short period of time.
The Story Behind the Beatles’ Life Rights
In an unprecedented move, The Beatles and their Apple Corps company have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film for the first time.
This will allow Mendes and his team to bring the band’s journey to the big screen in a way that has never been done before.
According to Mendes, the pitch for these films was met with enthusiasm from Sony executives, with the studio being drawn to Mendes’ passion and vision for the project.
“The Beatles changed my understanding of music,” Mendes said. “I’ve wanted to tell their story for years, and now it’s finally happening.”
Big Names Behind the Camera and On the Screen
Sam Mendes, renowned for his work on American Beauty, Skyfall, and 1917, is directing the project.
With his history of successful films, Mendes is expected to bring a fresh, cinematic approach to the Beatles’ story.
The films will be produced by Sony Pictures and Mendes’ Neal Street Productions company, ensuring top-tier production values.
The actors involved are also no strangers to success. Barry Keoghan’s star has been rapidly rising with roles in The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn.
Paul Mescal became a household name with Normal People and recently landed the lead role in Gladiator II.
Harris Dickinson’s breakout performance in Babygirl and Joseph Quinn’s meteoric rise after playing Eddie Munson in Stranger Things have both earned them major recognition.
The Beatles’ Enduring Legacy
The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960, are universally regarded as the most influential band of all time.
Their innovative sound helped shape 1960s counterculture and solidified their place in popular music history.
The band officially broke up in 1970, with John Lennon leaving in 1969.
Lennon was tragically shot and killed in 1980, while George Harrison passed away from cancer in 2001.
This new film project will join the ranks of many previous Beatles biopics and documentaries, including Backbeat (1994), Nowhere Boy (2009), and Peter Jackson’s 2021 Disney+ series Beatles Get Back.
However, this will be the first time the band’s full story is explored through such an expansive, cinematic lens.
The Beatles Biopic: A New Chapter in Rock History
With The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event scheduled for release in 2028, fans can look forward to a new, in-depth exploration of the band’s iconic legacy.
Mendes and his star-studded cast are set to deliver a cinematic experience unlike any other, giving audiences a chance to relive the magic of The Beatles in a way that’s never been done before.