Sam Mendes’ ambitious Sam Mendes Beatles Project, titled
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event,
has cast Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney. The four films, scheduled for release by Sony Pictures in 2028, will each focus on a different member of the iconic band.
Ensemble Cast and Film Structure Revealed
Saoirse Ronan will star alongside Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. This unique format will allow deeper storytelling about each Beatle’s personal life and legacy.
Linda McCartney’s Role in Beatles History
Linda McCartney, born Linda Louise Eastman, was a notable figure in her own right. She began as a magazine photographer capturing entertainers and musicians, eventually developing her talents as a keyboard player. Linda collaborated creatively with Paul McCartney, contributing to the 1971 album Ram and co-founding Wings, Paul McCartney’s band. Besides music, she was a passionate vegetarian and co-founded a vegetarian food business alongside her husband. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, she passed away three years later at the age of 56.
Creative Team and Production Details
The screenplay for Mendes’ Beatles series is a joint effort from Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne, while acclaimed cinematographer Greig Fraser will oversee the film’s visual style. Produced by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor of Neal Street Productions, and Alexandra Derbyshire, the project is developed in collaboration with Apple Corps and Sony Pictures. This marks the first time the Beatles and Apple Corps have granted permission to use the band’s story and music in scripted feature films.
Beatles Films in Context
Previous Beatles-related movies have included the 2007 jukebox musical Across the Universe, Sony-distributed; Danny Boyle’s 2019 film Yesterday; the 1994 origin story Backbeat, and the 1968 animated film Yellow Submarine. Mendes’ upcoming series represents a new and comprehensive cinematic exploration of the band’s history and individual stories.
Significance and Anticipation
With its innovative four-film structure and collaboration between top industry talents and the Beatles’ own Apple Corps, this project will likely offer a fresh and intimate perspective on the legendary band. The release in 2028 is highly anticipated by Beatles fans and cinema enthusiasts worldwide as it promises to deepen understanding of the band members’ lives and creative journeys.
