An ambitious new project by famed filmmaker Sam Mendes will tell the story of The Beatles in a brand new way. The upcoming project, comprised of four intersecting films focused on each individual member’s life, will feature four of modern Hollywood’s most buzzed-about actors taking on the roles of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mendes shared new details of the project—titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event—during a surprise appearance during the first day of CinemaCon in Las Vegas. After months of rumors, he confirmed speculation about what actors had signed on to portray the rock and roll legends.
If you’ve been tuned into pop culture over the past few years, you may be surprised at how recognizable the cast list is. Gladiator II’s Paul Mescal will play the role of Paul McCartney, Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and fellow Gladiator II and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn will portray George Harrison.
It’s a roster thoughtfully built to appeal to younger audiences already familiar with the four established actors, which may spark some skepticism from devoted Beatles fans. It’s important to note that all four films have been approved by the band and have full clearance to use the Beatles music for the project.
Although additional details about the project are still scarce, all four films are currently scheduled to be released in April 2028, an intentional move Mendes reportedly cited as the “first binge-able theatrical experience.”
Mendes also explained the decision to split the project into four individual films was also made as “a chance to understand them more deeply,” according to Variety.
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is a film by Neal Street Productions in association with Apple Corps for Sony Pictures. Mendes will serve as producer, alongside Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor, and Alexandra Derbyshire.
