Beatles Biopics: Everything You Need to Know About Sony’s Epic Movie Series!

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Initially, it was thought that creating a movie about The Beatles, a band like Queen and Johnny Cash who have had biopics made, would be extremely challenging due to the high cost associated with acquiring their life and music rights. However, in 2028, Sony Pictures is set to produce not just one but four feature films based on The Beatles’ lives.

Sam Mendes (known for ‘Skyfall’ and ‘1917’) is helming a series of movies, with each installment centering on a different Beatles member. These films will feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. At Sony’s 2025 CinemaCon event, Mendes described this ambitious project, stating, “We require grand cinematic spectacles to entice people away from their homes.

Here is what we know so far about the Beatles movies.

  • When Will the ‘Beatles’ Movies Be Released?

    In April 2028, all four Beatles movies will hit movie theaters. Back in 2024, Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman shared with The Hollywood Reporter that such a venture demanded an innovative release approach, given its unprecedented nature. He emphasized that traditional methods of distribution wouldn’t suffice for this project. Rothman described the movies as pioneering a new type of theatrical binge-watching experience.

    It is unclear what the exact dates for release are and in what order the films will hit theaters.

  • Who Is Playing Paul, John, George and Ringo?

    Actor Paul Mescal is set to portray the legendary musician Paul McCartney in an upcoming film. Previously, Mescal gained recognition for his role in the Hulu series “Normal People,” followed by Oscar-nominated performances in “Aftersun” and “Gladiator II.” Harris Dickinson, a well-known figure at film festivals who has appeared in films such as “Babygirl,” will take on the role of John Lennon. Joseph Quinn, known for his work on “Stranger Things” and Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” as Johnny Storm, will play George Harrison. Barry Keoghan, an Oscar nominee for movies like “Saltburn” and “The Banshees of Inisherin,” has been cast to depict Ringo Starr in this film adaptation.

  • Will Beatles Songs Be in the Movies?

    Although the Beatles’ tunes have been part of films like “Yesterday” directed by Danny Boyle and “Across the Universe” by Julie Taymor, they haven’t granted their music for a scripted biopic up until now. The high cost of obtaining music rights for filmmakers has prevented movies about the Beatles, such as the John Lennon film “Nowhere Boy,” from using the group’s actual music. However, productions like those directed by Mendes have received approval from the Beatles label Apple Corps, giving them complete rights to the life story and music for scripted films. Although it remains undecided which songs will be included in these films, the entire catalog is at the filmmakers’ disposal.

  • What Will the Four Movies Cover?

    It’s still undecided which aspects of the Beatles’ history – from their rapid rise, abundant music production, split, and subsequent solo ventures – will be featured in these upcoming movies. At this stage, the writers for the projects have not been revealed. However, what has been disclosed is the method by which the stories will unfold: The films will consist of interconnected narratives, each providing a unique perspective from one of the band members.

    • Have the Surviving Beatles Given Their Stamp of Approval?

    Ringo Starr expressed his backing for the Sam Mendes movie project on social media when it was initially announced. He also commented about Keoghan being cast to portray him, saying he thinks highly of him but hopes Keoghan isn’t learning drums too vigorously. On the other hand, McCartney hasn’t publicly commented on the film or Mescal’s casting yet. The project is being developed by Sony in collaboration with Apple Corps, a company founded by the four Beatles in 1968. This implies that both surviving Beatles as well as the estates of Lennon and Harrison are involved.

  • Who Else Has Been Cast?

    It’s expected that numerous artists who worked with The Beatles, such as Yoko Ono and their manager Brian Epstein, will appear in the films. However, as of now, no additional cast members have been confirmed for the movies.

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2025-04-19 16:25