The most ambitious musical biopic project in cinematic history has finally revealed its stars. As of December 2025, the mystery surrounding the casting of The Beatles for Sam Mendes’ unprecedented quartet of films has been fully solved, confirming a lineup of some of the most sought-after young British and Irish actors in Hollywood. This cinematic event, which will tell the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with each Beatle getting their own dedicated feature film, is set to redefine the music biopic genre.
The project, officially titled *The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event*, is being developed by director Sam Mendes and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The casting announcements, which were officially confirmed at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in March 2025, have generated massive buzz, pairing the iconic roles with a fresh, talented, and critically acclaimed ensemble. The anticipation is immense for these four intersecting narratives, which will culminate in a synchronized release strategy.
The Confirmed Fab Four: A New Generation of British Icons
The core of the project rests on the shoulders of four actors tasked with embodying the most famous band members in history. Director Sam Mendes has carefully selected a group known for their dramatic range and ability to transform, rather than simply choosing look-alikes. The challenge for these stars will be immense, as they must capture the essence, voice, and musicality of their legendary counterparts.
The official casting is a blend of established Oscar nominees and rising stars from major franchises, guaranteeing both critical attention and massive audience interest.
- Paul McCartney: Paul Mescal
- John Lennon: Harris Dickinson
- George Harrison: Joseph Quinn
- Ringo Starr: Barry Keoghan
Irish actor Paul Mescal has been confirmed to take on the role of the beloved songwriter, Paul McCartney. Mescal, an Oscar nominee for his breakout role in *Aftersun*, brings a quiet intensity and proven dramatic depth to the role. The news of his casting was heavily rumored for months, with even director Ridley Scott appearing to confirm the speculation before the official announcement. Mescal's preparation is expected to be rigorous, focusing on McCartney’s left-handed bass playing and his distinctive vocal style.
Stepping into the shoes of the complex and often controversial John Lennon is British actor Harris Dickinson. Known for his roles in *Where the Crawdads Sing* and *The King's Man*, Dickinson is a versatile performer. Taking on Lennon's journey, from his complicated Liverpool upbringing with his Aunt Mimi to his role as the band's intellectual and artistic leader, will be a defining moment in Dickinson's career. He will portray Lennon's evolution through the band's rise and eventual breakup.
Joseph Quinn, who gained global recognition for his role as Eddie Munson in *Stranger Things*, is confirmed to play the "Quiet Beatle," George Harrison. Quinn's casting has been met with excitement from a new generation of fans. Harrison’s story, which includes his spiritual journey and his emergence as a major songwriter with tracks like "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," is ripe for a standalone film. Quinn’s challenge will be to capture Harrison’s subtle wit and profound musicality.
Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan, star of films like *The Banshees of Inisherin* and *Saltburn*, is set to play drummer Ringo Starr. Keoghan’s unique screen presence and ability to portray unconventional characters make him a fascinating choice for the band’s steady, good-humored heartbeat. Keoghan has reportedly already met with Ringo Starr himself as part of his preparation for the role, receiving the blessing and insights from the living legend.
Beyond the Fab Four: The Key Supporting Ensemble
The Beatles’ story is inseparable from the influential women and key figures in their lives. Sam Mendes’ project is set to delve deeply into these relationships, with a star-studded supporting cast confirmed to play the band’s spouses and family members. This focus on the women behind the music suggests a narrative that will explore the personal costs of fame and the dynamics that ultimately led to the band’s dissolution.
The confirmed actresses for the major spousal roles are a testament to the project’s high-caliber ambition:
- Linda McCartney: Saoirse Ronan
- Other Key Spouses: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Anna Sawai, and Aimee Lou Wood
- David Morrissey and James Norton
Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, will portray photographer and musician Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney’s first wife and bandmate in Wings. Ronan’s involvement alongside her fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal is a major coup for the production. Her role will be central to the Paul McCartney film, exploring their relationship and musical collaboration.
While specific roles have not been officially assigned to the remaining Beatles’ wives (Cynthia Lennon, Yoko Ono, Maureen Starkey, and Pattie Boyd), the casting of Mia McKenna-Bruce, Anna Sawai, and Aimee Lou Wood confirms that the partners of John, George, and Ringo will be prominent figures in the narratives. Mia McKenna-Bruce is a BAFTA-winning star, Anna Sawai is known for her roles in major streaming series, and Aimee Lou Wood is a BAFTA winner known for *Sex Education*. This trio of talent highlights the importance of the women’s perspectives in this epic tale.
Veteran actors David Morrissey (known for *The Walking Dead*) and James Norton have also been added to the ensemble cast. While their specific roles are being kept under wraps, speculation suggests they could be playing key parental figures, such as Paul McCartney’s father, Jim McCartney, or John Lennon’s Aunt Mimi’s husband, George Smith, or perhaps manager Brian Epstein. Their involvement further cements the depth of the talent pool Mendes is assembling.
The Unprecedented Scope of the Four-Film Cinematic Event
What sets this project apart from any previous attempt to tell The Beatles' story is its unique structure. Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of *American Beauty* and *1917*, is tackling the story as four separate, yet interconnected, films. Each movie will be told from the distinct perspective of one band member, a narrative device designed to provide a 360-degree view of the band’s history, from their early days in Liverpool and Hamburg to their global dominance and eventual split.
This bold vision was made possible by securing the full life and music rights from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison. This level of cooperation is virtually unprecedented for a Beatles project of this magnitude, granting Mendes access to the complete music catalog and the full, authorized story.
Writers and Production Timeline
To handle the monumental task of four interlocking screenplays, Mendes has brought in a team of acclaimed writers: Jez Butterworth (*Ford v Ferrari*), Jack Thorne (*Enola Holmes*), and Peter Straughan (*Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy*). This diverse writing team suggests a varied and nuanced approach to each Beatle's personal journey.
The production plan is equally ambitious. Sony Pictures Entertainment intends to release all four films in a synchronized, staggered manner in 2028, with a potential target date of April 2028. This release strategy is designed to create a massive cultural event, encouraging audiences to view the entire saga as a single, monumental cinematic experience. The world is now watching as this stellar cast prepares to take on the roles that will define their careers and finally bring the definitive, authorized story of The Beatles to the big screen.
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