Sam Mendes unveils cast for four-part Beatles biopic, set to be the first-ever ‘binge-able’ theatrical experience with an April 2028 release.
Sony Pictures‘ ambitious plan to bring The Beatles to the big screen just became much clearer. At CinemaCon 2025, acclaimed director Sam Mendes officially announced the lead cast for his groundbreaking four-film project, which will tell the individual stories of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Even more exciting, Sam Mendes confirmed that all four films will hit theaters in April 2028, creating a historic moment in cinema.
Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director behind 1917 and Skyfall, took the stage in Las Vegas to reveal the stars who will be taken on the iconic musicians.
Paul Mescal (Aftersun, Gladiator 2) will portray Paul McCartney
Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw) will play John Lennon
Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, A Quiet Place: Day One) is set to star as George Harrison
Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin) will take on the role of Ringo Starr
Following the cast announcement, the four actors took the stage, recited lyrics from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and performed a synchronized Beatles-style bow, thrilling the audience.
Unlike traditional biopics, Sam Mendes‘ Beatles project is taking an unprecedented approach by dedicating a full-length feature film to each band member. Sony Pictures chairman Tom Rothman has described this as “the first binge-able theatrical experience,” challenging conventional movie release strategies.
“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Rothman said. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”
This approach also sets the project apart from past Beatles-related films, such as Nowhere Boy (2009) and Yesterday (2019), by aiming for a deeper, more personal exploration of each musician’s life and legacy.
Sam Mendes secured the rare and coveted approval from The Beatles’ highly selective label, Apple Corps, ensuring the authenticity of the project. The films will be produced by Neal Street Productions, with Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, and Julie Pastor leading the production team.
As the biggest-selling music act of all time (per the RIAA), The Beatles continue to captivate audiences across generations. Sony Pictures is betting that the band’s devoted fan base and this revolutionary storytelling format will make the project a massive theatrical event.
CinemaCon attendees were left in awe as Sam Mendes closed Sony’s presentation with a true mic-drop moment. With a star-studded cast, an unconventional release strategy, and an Oscar-winning director at the helm, The Beatles biopics are shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade.
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