Anna Sawai, the New Zealand-born Japanese actress known for her performances in FX’s Shogun and Apple TV’s Pachinko, confirmed she will portray Yoko Ono in the upcoming four-part Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes. The film explores the individual journeys of each Beatles member, with Sawai bringing depth to Ono’s story. This role marks a significant moment in Sawai’s career as she continues to rise in the entertainment industry.
Insights from Sawai on Portraying Yoko Ono
Speaking ahead of the second season of Apple TV’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Anna Sawai shared her thoughts about playing Yoko Ono. She expressed admiration for Ono’s life and artistry, highlighting how misunderstood Ono has been over the years.
“It’s just exciting because [Ono’s] story is so inspirational to me, and people really don’t know the true person that she was,”
— Anna Sawai, Actress
“She’s an incredible artist. And also, she just was an independent woman, and people didn’t like that. They wanted John [Lennon] for themselves, and she was an easy target. And I think it’s very meaningful for me to be able to tell her story.”
— Anna Sawai, Actress
Reflecting on Her Rapid Career Growth
Anna Sawai described her swift rise in show business as surreal and fulfilling, emphasizing how fortunate she feels to now have the ability to choose roles that resonate with her personally.
“It’s everything that I wanted to do, and I get to tell the stories that are so meaningful to me,”
— Anna Sawai, Actress
“When I look back to a couple of years ago, I was auditioning and just taking on the roles that I would get offered after auditioning. But now I have choices that I can make, and so I feel very, very lucky.”
— Anna Sawai, Actress
Upcoming Projects and What to Expect Next
Following her upcoming role in the Sam Mendes Beatles biopic, Sawai’s second season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters will be available on Apple TV starting February 27. Her growing presence in diverse and meaningful projects signals a promising future ahead in her acting career, highlighting both her versatility and dedication to telling powerful stories.
