The first images from the upcoming Joseph Quinn Beatles biopic were unveiled on Thursday, offering a glimpse of the actors portraying the legendary band. The four-film project features Joseph Quinn, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, and Barry Keoghan, and is set to premiere in 2028 under the direction of Sam Mendes. The photos were released via postcards shared by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, a school co-founded by Paul McCartney.
Cast Takes Shape for Groundbreaking Beatles Film
Harris Dickinson steps into the role of John Lennon, while Paul Mescal portrays Paul McCartney. Joseph Quinn embodies George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan appears as Ringo Starr. Early images show Keoghan adopting the iconic mop-top hairstyle and mustache characteristic of Starr. Meanwhile, Dickinson sports Lennon’s recognizable round glasses paired with long hair, and Quinn appears with long hair and a beard reminiscent of Harrison’s look during the band’s prime era.
Endorsements and Insights from the Beatles’ Inner Circle
Ringo Starr, now 85, has publicly supported Barry Keoghan’s casting, sharing that he has spent time with the actor and believes Keoghan “knows what he’s doing.” However, Starr also expressed reservations about the screenplay in a recent interview. He noted,
“He had a writer…he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I,”
referring to Maureen Starkey Tigrett, Starr’s first wife, who is depicted in the biopic by Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Actors Reflect on the Challenges of Portraying Iconic Figures
Paul Mescal, who plays McCartney, has openly shared the pressures of stepping into such a monumental role. On
“In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast,”
he described the experience as “f–king scary” but exhilarating. Mescal emphasized the dedication involved, stating,
“But I can tell you from the inside of it that we’re approaching it with the greatest love and respect and rigor. I’ve definitely rehearsed for this longer than I’ve ever rehearsed for anything else in my entire life already. So we’re putting in the hard yards.”
Mescal also acknowledged the scrutiny that the project faces from fans and critics alike, noting,
“It’s so exciting. I’m working again with actors that I really, really admire, and we’re stepping into something where people will have such intense opinions about who [the Beatles] are, or whether we should even be making [these movies] in the first place.”
Additional Casting and Creative Details
Supporting cast members include Saoirse Ronan as Linda Eastman McCartney, Anna Sawai portraying Yoko Ono, and Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd. The production has received full access to life and music rights from McCartney, Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, as confirmed in February 2024. Paul Mescal has also confirmed that he will be singing on screen, describing his collaboration with McCartney as extraordinary.
The Beatles Biopic’s Significance and Anticipation for 2028 Premiere
Set to debut in April 2028, this ambitious four-film series aims to offer an immersive portrayal of The Beatles’ journey and legacy, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes. The project’s authenticity is bolstered by the involvement of the band’s surviving members and families, which suggests a respectful and intimate exploration of their story. With strong performances anticipated from Quinn, Dickinson, Mescal, and Keoghan, the biopic is expected to generate significant interest from Beatles fans and cinephiles worldwide.
