In a vivid revival of Beatlemania, the streets of London were transformed on Sunday as director Sam Mendes began filming key exterior scenes for his upcoming Beatles anthology, set for release in 2028. Using the English capital as a stand-in for midtown Manhattan, the production recreated the band’s historic 1964 arrival in New York, featuring Joseph Quinn Beatles filming as part of the starry cast.
The scenes transported viewers back to the Beatles’ career-making first U.S. appearance, specifically their chaotic entry into New York’s Plaza Hotel ahead of their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. London’s central streets were dressed as mid-1960s Fifth Avenue, complete with period vehicles, police cordons, and throngs of extras acting as excitable fans and photographers.
Principal Cast Portraying the Beatles on Set
The four main actors—Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr—were seen navigating through energetic crowds during the filming. Their costumes of matching grey suits echoed the band’s real-life attire during that historic promotional trip managed by Brian Epstein.
Joseph Quinn, embodying George Harrison, captured the essence of the “quiet Beatle,” while Keoghan portraying Starr was observed with a vintage video camera to highlight his character’s enthusiasm for gadgets. Dressing carefully to match the period, including Keoghan’s signature 1960s moptop hairstyle, the performers recreated the palpable confusion and fervor surrounding the Beatles’ arrival.
Authentic Atmosphere Includes Fans, Police, and Vintage Details
Extras playing hysterical female fans threw themselves at the band’s car, and security was represented through police officers clad in period uniforms. The production took considerable care to evoke the electrifying frenzy of 1964 New York, with placards welcoming the Beatles and photographers capturing every movement, creating an immersive historical scene.
A Harris Dickinson scene showed Lennon quietly absorbing the pandemonium, encapsulating the contrasting personalities within the group, while Mescal was spotted between takes with a torn blazer sleeve, underscoring the realism in their portrayal. Mendes’ attention to detail extended to the inclusion of vintage cars and motorcycles, enriching the scene’s authenticity.
Filming at London’s Abbey Road Studios and Iconic Locations
Beyond outdoor recreations, the Beatles project is also being filmed at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios, with production underway since November of the previous year. Despite earlier concerns from Westminster Council about filming at the iconic zebra crossing, the council confirmed that restrictions were lifted, allowing Poech to capture the 1969 album cover reenactment.
Westminster Council is actively collaborating with the production team, even planning to close the road temporarily to accommodate filming. This cooperation has enabled Mendes to realize his vision for the tetralogy, promising an immersive cinematic experience.
Sam Mendes Outlines Ambitious Four-Film Beatles Project
Speaking at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas in April, Mendes described the upcoming movies as “the first binge-able theatrical experience.” This ambitious project comprises four films, each focusing on a single Beatles member and tracing their evolution from their early days in Liverpool to global superstardom and eventual split in 1970.
The project marks a semi-historic occasion as it is the first time Apple Corps Ltd, along with surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, have granted full rights to their life stories and music for scripted films. This level of access is expected to add unprecedented authenticity to the portrayal of the band.
Supporting Cast to Portray Beatles’ Inner Circles
The cast also includes notable actresses portraying important figures in the Beatles’ lives. Aimee Lou Wood will play Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s wife, while Saoirse Ronan takes on the role of Linda McCartney, Paul’s wife and eventual bandmate in Wings. Anna Sawai has been cast as Yoko Ono, the wife of John Lennon, and Mia McKenna-Bruce will portray Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr’s spouse.
Mendes highlighted the significance of these portrayals, stating,
“Maureen, Linda, Yoko and Pattie are four fascinating and unique figures in their own right, and I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to persuade four of the most talented women working in film today to join this amazing adventure.”
Including the perspectives of these women aims to provide a broader narrative around the Beatles’ story.
Actors Share Reflections on Portraying Legendary Musicians
Barry Keoghan expressed the impact of meeting Beatles legend Ringo Starr, recalling his nervousness despite a warm reception:
“I met him at his house, and he played the drums for me. He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
– Barry Keoghan
Keoghan further admitted on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he struggled to maintain eye contact with Starr due to starstruck nerves but appreciated the encouragement he received:
“I was. And when I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him. I was nervous, like right now. But he’s like, You can look at me.”
– Barry Keoghan
Additionally, Ringo Starr hinted at Keoghan’s dedication to mastering the role, joking to Entertainment Tonight,
“I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.”
– Ringo Starr
Paul Mescal’s involvement was also confirmed by director Sir Ridley Scott, who mentioned at a recent industry event that the actor was committed to the Beatles project after his role in Gladiator II, demonstrating the project’s draw among notable talent.
Significance of Filming and Anticipated Impact on Beatles Legacy
This ambitious Beatles anthology presents an opportunity to revisit and re-experience the band’s meteoric rise during a transformative era in music and culture. By focusing each film on an individual member, director Sam Mendes aims to explore the nuances of their personal lives, relationships, and creative journeys in a manner unseen in previous productions.
With involvement from original Beatles stakeholders and families, the films promise to be one of the most authentic portrayals of the legendary group to date. The restoration of iconic moments, like the Plaza Hotel arrival and Abbey Road album cover, further anchors this series in historical reality.
As filming continues in London, fans and historians alike anticipate a thoughtful retelling that balances intense emotion, cultural significance, and the complex dynamics that shaped both the Beatles’ music and their eventual split. The release of this ambitious project in 2028 will likely set a new standard for music biopics and deepen the public’s understanding of The Beatles’ enduring influence.
