The Beatles remain one of the most influential cultural forces in history, their legacy more alive than ever as their music continues to captivate generations. During CinemaCon, Sony Pictures unveiled the official cast for the highly anticipated biopic series The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. This major project, directed by Sam Mendes, will hit theaters in April 2028 and marks a groundbreaking moment in Beatles history. For the first time ever, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have been granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.

The actors cast to portray The Beatles in The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event are Harris Dickinson as Lennon, Paul Mescal as McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Starr, and Joseph Quinn as Harrison.

Mendes, the visionary director behind the project, promised that this biopic will be the “first binge-able theatrical experience.” While the specifics of the release strategy are still unclear, fans are eager to see whether the films will be released all at once or over the course of several weeks. During his presentation at CinemaCon, Mendes shared his belief that “we need big cinematic events to get people out of the house,” emphasizing the importance of large-scale storytelling in today's cinematic landscape.

Mendes expressed his long-standing desire to bring the story of the Fab Four to the big screen. However, he knew he didn’t want to make a mini-series and felt that the Beatles’ story was far too expansive to fit into just one movie. His solution was to create four standalone films that explore the personal and professional lives of each member, ultimately capturing the Beatles’ incredible journey from humble beginnings in Liverpool to becoming the epicenter of global culture. Mendes sees this project as an opportunity to offer audiences a greater understanding of the Beatles, saying, “It’s a chance to understand them more deeply.” Additionally, this will be the first narrative feature film to be granted the music rights to the Beatles' iconic catalog.

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The Cast: A Fresh Take On The Fab Four

When it comes to the Beatles, getting the casting right is crucial. This isn’t just about actors stepping into the roles of famous musicians — it's about capturing their essence, their personalities, and the transformative period they lived through. Mendes, known for his excellent direction of classic films Skyfall and 1917, has gathered an exciting and talented group of actors who, each in their own way, are very well-suited to portray the Beatles.

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Paul McCartney: Paul Mescal

First up, Mescal, an Irish actor who skyrocketed to fame with his recent leading role in Gladiator II and his gripping performance in Aftersun, will take on the role of McCartney. McCartney, the bassist, singer, co-writer, and one-half of the Lennon-McCartney songwriting powerhouse, was known for his melodic genius and ability to create songs that spanned genres and touched every corner of the human experience. Mescal's deep emotional range, which has earned him widespread acclaim, makes him an ideal choice to play the more sensitive, sometimes playful, and often philosophical McCartney. Mescal’s ability to capture both the lighthearted and introspective side of McCartney’s personality is sure to resonate with fans who have long admired his warmth, wit, and musical brilliance.

John Lennon: Harris Dickinson

Next, we have Dickinson playing the outspoken and often controversial Lennon. Known for his most recent role alonside Nicole Kidman in Babygirl, Dickinson brings an intensity that matches the public and private tumult that Lennon experienced throughout his life. Lennon was the visionary, the rebel with a cause, often challenging the status quo with his outspoken political views and larger-than-life persona. Dickinson's ability to bring both emotional depth and sharp edges to his roles gives us high hopes that he will bring the same intensity and complexity to Lennon. This biopic promises to give us an intimate portrait of a man who, despite his global fame, was constantly grappling with identity and purpose.

George Harrison: Joseph Quinn

For the quiet, introspective genius of Harrison, Quinn, beloved for his breakout role in Stranger Things, steps into the role. Harrison, the spiritual seeker and lead guitarist of the Beatles, was not just the “quiet Beatle”— he was the creative force behind some of the band's most experimental and reflective music. Quinn’s ability to express nuance and depth in his performances will serve him well in portraying Harrison’s journey from Beatlemania to his deep spiritual quest. Fans are eager to see how Quinn will portray Harrison’s complex transition from a young, starry-eyed musician to a contemplative soul searching for meaning beyond the chaos of fame. Harrison’s evolution into an independent artist, including his solo projects like All Things Must Pass, will likely be a focal point of his film.

Ringo Starr: Barry Keoghan

Finally, Keoghan, known for his unforgettable roles in Dunkirk and Saltburn, (and for being the ex-boyfriend of Sabrina Carpenter), will take on the role of the beloved Starr. While Starr might not have been as vocally influential as John or Paul, he was undoubtedly the heartbeat of the band, offering steady rhythms and a grounded energy that allowed the more flamboyant personalities of Lennon and McCartney to shine. Keoghan’s performance in roles that combine intensity with subtlety makes him an exciting choice for Starr, a man who, despite being the subject of many jokes, was a crucial part of the band’s dynamic. Starr’s warm, self-deprecating nature, coupled with his ability to keep things light during difficult times, will surely be a standout in this series. Fans are already buzzing about how Keoghan will portray Starr’s role in the band’s chemistry — his humor, loyalty, and contribution to their iconic sound.

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The Fandom: A Force To Be Reckoned With

While the casting of the Fab Four is undoubtedly exciting, it’s the Beatles fandom that truly brings this project to life. One of the most remarkable aspects of The Beatles’ legacy is the undying passion and loyalty of their fans. From the early days of Beatlemania in the 1960s to the modern-day digital fan communities, the Beatles have a unique ability to captivate the hearts of millions. This fandom spans generations — some fans grew up with the Beatles as they stormed the world stage in the '60s, while others came to appreciate them through their parents' records or after discovering their music on streaming platforms.

This multi-generational love for the Beatles is evident in how they’ve continued to be embraced by fans of all ages. The Beatles’ music remains as relevant today as it was in their heyday, and with each new generation discovering their records, the fandom only grows stronger. Whether it's through attending The Fest for Beatles Fans, discussing theories on Reddit, or connecting with others through social media platforms, Beatles fans are a community like no other. The band’s influence stretches beyond music, touching art, fashion, politics, and social movements, which only strengthens the emotional connection fans feel to the group.

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