The Beatles biopics are finally coming—and not just one, but a groundbreaking series of four films, all set to debut in April 2028 under Sony Pictures. While many legendary musicians like Queen and Johnny Cash have had their stories portrayed on the big screen, capturing The Beatles’ saga was once deemed nearly impossible due to the prohibitive cost of licensing their life stories and iconic music rights. But now, visionary director Sam Mendes—known for hits like "Skyfall" and "1917"—is helming this ambitious project, with each film spotlighting a different member of the legendary band: Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Mendes himself remarked at Sony’s 2025 CinemaCon event, “We need big cinematic events to get people out of the house,” signaling the grand scale of this undertaking.
When Are These Movies Coming Out?
All four films are slated for theatrical release in April 2028. Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, “You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy. There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.” In fact, Rothman described the films as “the first bingeable theatrical experience,” hinting at a potential new way of delivering cinema. However, the exact release schedule and order of the movies have yet to be announced.
Who’s Playing the Fab Four?
- Paul Mescal, who rose to fame through Hulu's "Normal People" and earned an Oscar nod for "Aftersun," takes on the role of Paul McCartney.
- Harris Dickinson, admired for his work in A24’s "Babygirl," will portray John Lennon.
- Joseph Quinn, recognized from "Stranger Things" and as a Marvel character in "Fantastic Four," steps into the shoes of George Harrison.
- Barry Keoghan, an Oscar nominee known for critically acclaimed films like "Saltburn" and "The Banshees of Inisherin," will play Ringo Starr.
Will The Beatles’ Music Feature in the Films?
This is where the story gets fascinating—and controversial. Historically, licensing The Beatles’ catalog for scripted biopics was prohibitively expensive, which meant earlier movies about the band or its members couldn’t include their original songs. Films like "Nowhere Boy," focusing on a young John Lennon, sidestepped this limitation by excluding Beatles’ music altogether. However, Sony and Mendes have secured full approval from Apple Corps—the Beatles' own company—granting both life story rights and unrestricted access to the entire Beatles music catalog. While it’s not yet revealed which tracks will appear, filmmakers have the freedom to incorporate any song, raising expectations for an authentic and powerful musical experience on screen.
What Will the Storylines Cover?
Details about the plot range remain tightly under wraps, but the films are expected to explore The Beatles' extraordinary journey—from their explosive rise to fame and their revolutionary musical creativity to their eventual breakup and solo ventures. Notably, the storytelling approach is unique: each film tells an interconnected story through the personal perspective of one band member, offering viewers a multi-faceted look at their intertwined lives. Top-tier writers are involved, including Tony-winning Jez Butterworth ("Ford v Ferrari"), Oscar winner Peter Straughan ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"), and BAFTA and Tony Award winner Jack Thorne ("Enola Holmes").
Have The Surviving Beatles Endorsed This Project?
Yes. Ringo Starr publicly expressed his enthusiastic support via social media when the films were announced, even sharing a lighthearted comment about his portrayal by Barry Keoghan, "I think he’s great, I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons. I hope not too many." Paul McCartney has not yet made a public statement about the films or his casting. Since Sony is collaborating closely with Apple Corps, which the band founded in 1968, the project enjoys the backing of the surviving Beatles and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison.
Who Else Is Joining the Cast?
Saoirse Ronan has been cast as Linda McCartney, Paul’s late wife and a musician in her own right. Fans can likely expect appearances from key figures who played pivotal roles in the band's story, such as Yoko Ono and manager Brian Epstein, although further casting news is pending.
And this is the part most people miss: This isn't just a traditional biopic but a bold, multi-film cinematic event that challenges how music legends' stories are told. It’s a daring project blending biography, music, and unique narrative perspectives. But is this extensive treatment necessary? Could splitting The Beatles’ story into four separate films dilute the magic or enhance it by exploring individual nuances? What do you think? Share your thoughts—the Beatles' saga has always been full of drama, and this cinematic chapter promises to be no different.
