A highly anticipated Beatles movie series set for release in April 2028 has unveiled its cast, featuring Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, alongside Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan portraying the other Beatles. This upcoming cinematic event promises to explore the lives of the iconic band members, offering an intimate look at their stories through a unique four-film project.
New Beatles Biopic Trilogy Unveils Leading Cast and Creative Vision
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is directed by Oscar-winning British filmmaker Sam Mendes and stars Irish actors Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan as Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, respectively, with British actors Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson playing George Harrison and John Lennon. Each film will focus on a different Beatle, providing a distinct narrative centered on their personal histories and contributions to music.
The first images of the cast in character have been released, showing the actors embodying the four legendary musicians. These visuals were distributed as postcards hidden around the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, underscoring the institution’s connection to the band through Paul McCartney, a co-founder. The school shared the images on its Instagram account, highlighting the anticipation among its students, located in the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool, England.
Supporting Roles Portray Key Figures in the Beatles’ Personal Lives
Japanese actress Anna Sawai will appear as Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife, while American-Irish actress Saoirse Ronan takes on the role of Linda McCartney, Paul’s late first wife. These casting choices emphasize a focus not only on the band members themselves but also on the influential relationships that shaped their lives.
Sam Mendes reflected on the project during the 2025 CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, stating,
“They’re four very different human beings. Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply. But together, all four films will tell the story of the greatest band in history.”
— Sam Mendes, Director
Official Access Granted to Life Stories and Music Rights
This film series is the first to obtain complete life story and music rights from the surviving Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison, in partnership with The Beatles’ company, Apple Corps. Lennon was tragically killed at age 40 in 1980, and Harrison passed away from cancer at 58 in 2001.
Previous films about The Beatles have taken more limited scopes, such as 1994’s “Backbeat,” which focused on early band guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe, and 2009’s “Nowhere Boy,” centered on Lennon’s childhood. This new series aims to deliver a comprehensive look at the individual lives and legacies of each Beatle.
The Beatles’ Enduring Influence and Cast Preparation
Formed in 1960 in Liverpool, The Beatles are widely regarded as the most influential band of all time, credited with revolutionizing pop music through innovative songwriting, studio experimentation, and cultural impact before their breakup in 1970. Their story continues to resonate worldwide, making this film series a momentous event in film and music history.
Ringo Starr has spoken publicly about his involvement with the project, saying he has worked closely with Mendes to review the accuracy of his biopic’s script. Starr has also spent time with Barry Keoghan, the actor portraying him, offering personal insights and drumming advice to help capture the spirit of his character authentically.
Anticipation Builds as Fans Await Beatles Film Premiere
The release of these films will mark a landmark in Beatles cinema, as audiences gain new perspectives on each member’s story through carefully crafted performances. Harris Dickinson’s role as John Lennon places him at the forefront of this ambitious project, expected to bring emotional depth to the portrayal of one of music’s most complex figures.
With official endorsement and unprecedented access to both the band’s music and personal histories, this cinematic event could redefine how The Beatles’ legacy is remembered and appreciated by new generations worldwide. The films’ release in 2028 is poised to spark widespread interest and reflection on the enduring influence of the Fab Four and their immeasurable impact on culture.
