Director Sam Mendes is set to bring the legendary Beatles to life with a unique spin through four interconnected biopics, with 'Normal People' star and 'Saltburn' actor among the rumored lead cast.
- June 7, 2024
AceShowbiz - Sam Mendes, acclaimed director known for "American Beauty" and "Skyfall", is undertaking an ambitious project that has The Beatles fans buzzing. Mendes is crafting not one but four separate biopics about the iconic rock band, each film dedicated to a different member of the Beatles.
According to recent reports and rumors, the cast is expected to include Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Charlie Rowe as George Harrison.
This series of films is groundbreaking as it's the first time The Beatles' Apple Corps company has granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. The films, produced by Sony Pictures and Mendes' Neal Street Productions, are slated for a 2027 release, with shooting set to begin in mid-2025. The films will provide a novel take on the Beatles' journey, with each story providing a unique perspective from one band member.
Reactions to the rumored cast have been mixed. While some critics argue that casting stars like Mescal, Keoghan, Dickinson, and Rowe might lack the working-class authenticity associated with the Beatles, others suggest that the star power could be an intentional nod to the band's original Beatlemania.
"I understand it looks like boring, safe choices but do you not see the utility of casting the 2024 equivalent of tumblr sexymen as the Beatles... they want you to chase the Beatles down the street," wrote one X user.
The rumored cast brings significant acting prowess and accolades. Paul Mescal, recognized for his role in BBC's "Normal People", and Barry Keoghan, famed for his work in "The Banshees of Inisherin", are at the forefront of young Hollywood talent. Meanwhile, British actors Harris Dickinson, noted for "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil", and Charlie Rowe, known from ITV's "Vanity Fair", bring depth and diversity to the ensemble.
Mendes' statement articulated his excitement for the project, "I'm honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies." With Sony executives Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler backing the innovative cinematic endeavor, the upcoming biopics promise to offer a new lens through which fans can experience and appreciate the band's monumental legacy.
