A new series of Beatles biographical movies set to premiere in April 2028 has introduced the actors portraying the legendary band members, with Harris Dickinson cast as John Lennon. The project, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, features Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison alongside Dickinson.
Prominent Cast and Creative Team Behind the Project
Directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Sam Mendes, who has won an Oscar, the series will consist of four films, each concentrating on the life and legacy of one of the Beatles. The selection of young, rising actors emphasizes a focus on character-driven storytelling. The cast also includes Japanese actress Anna Sawai playing Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife, and American–Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney’s late first wife.
Unique Promotion Connects with Beatles’ Home City
In a creative promotional effort, postcards depicting the actors in character were discreetly placed throughout the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, an institution co-founded by Paul McCartney and located in Liverpool, the Beatles’ hometown. This initiative engaged students with glimpses of the upcoming films and connected the project directly to the band’s origins.
Official Rights and Band Members’ Involvement
These films represent the first authorized cinematic portrayal of the Beatles’ full life stories and use of their music, with approval from surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison. The Beatles’ company, Apple Corps, has also granted the rights, allowing a more comprehensive and authentic narrative. Lennon was tragically murdered in 1980 at age 40, while Harrison passed away in 2001 from cancer at age 58.
Context Within Beatles Cinematic History
Previous films about the Beatles have included 1994’s Backbeat, focusing on original guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe, and 2009’s Nowhere Boy, highlighting Lennon’s youth. This new four-film series aims to tell a broader and deeper story, offering distinct perspectives on each member’s life and contributions to music.
Behind the Scenes: Collaborations and Accuracy Efforts
In interviews during 2025, Ringo Starr spoke about his collaboration with Sam Mendes and involvement in the script development for the film depicting his life. He shared that he spent time advising Barry Keoghan, the actor portraying him, particularly offering tips on drumming to ensure realistic representation of his role in the band.
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas in 2025, director Sam Mendes commented on the project’s ambition:
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
Significance and Future Impact of the Film Series
This forthcoming cinematic event is anticipated to provide a detailed and intimate portrayal of the Beatles, exploring their individual journeys and collaborative legacy. With full authorization and the involvement of the band’s members, the films are expected to deliver a definitive visual and narrative experience for audiences worldwide, potentially reshaping how the Beatles’ story is told in popular culture for years to come.
