The Fab Four are about to hit the big screen in a truly ambitious project that’s got fans buzzing. For the first time, we’re getting a glimpse of Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn in character as none other than The Beatles. This isn’t just one film, but a series of four, helmed by acclaimed director Sam Mendes, with each movie set to spotlight a different member of the iconic band.
Mescal is stepping into the shoes of the legendary Paul McCartney, Keoghan will embody the distinctive Ringo Starr, Dickinson is set to portray John Lennon, and Quinn will take on the role of George Harrison. The studio, Sony, has certainly made a splash with its marketing, distributing four unique postcards across the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) – an institution co-founded by McCartney himself – for students to discover.
LIPA’s official Instagram account shared the exciting news, announcing that they had “been given exclusive postcards promoting the new Beatles movies!” The post further elaborated, “We’ve hidden them around LIPA, and we want students to find them.”
First Impressions and Fan Reactions
The initial reveal has sparked a lively debate online, with opinions divided. However, a significant portion of the commentary on the LIPA post has been overwhelmingly positive regarding Paul Mescal’s portrayal of McCartney. One fan exclaimed, “I thought that was actually Paul,” adding, “Mescal really nailed the look! Wow.”
Another enthusiast commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Paul Mescal really captures that McCartney vibe in these first-look shots. Looking forward to seeing how the full cast comes together in the biopics.”
Yet, not all reactions have been so glowing. Some fans have continued to express their reservations about Joseph Quinn’s casting as George Harrison. One critic even went as far as to say he should be “recast immediately.” A humorous observation from another fan likened Quinn’s look to John Frusciante, the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, suggesting a potential misstep in the styling.
Despite the mixed reviews, many are urging fellow Beatles aficionados to reserve judgment until the films are released. The sentiment is that only then can the actors truly demonstrate their ability to embody the beloved musicians onscreen.
A Monumental Undertaking
Production has officially commenced on these four films, a project that brings together some of the most sought-after actors of their generation. This endeavour also marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time that scripted feature films have secured the life and music rights of The Beatles.
The central quartet will be supported by a stellar cast of supporting actors:
- Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney
- James Norton as Brian Epstein
- Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono
- Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd
- Harry Lloyd as George Martin
- Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey
Mendes’ Vision: A New Lens on History
Director Sam Mendes elaborated on his unique approach to the project last year, explaining his decision to create four distinct films, one for each Beatle. He drew a parallel to his approach in his BBC2 documentary about the Second World War, highlighting a filmmaker’s desire to explore the past from fresh perspectives.
“As a film-maker, one is always looking to find new ways to look at the past,” Mendes wrote in The Times. “To turn historical events so they catch the light in new and different ways. My film 1917 was an attempt to do this.”
He continued, applying this philosophy to The Beatles project: “The Beatles films we are making now also fall into this category. And here again I felt the same portal to the past had been opened.” This suggests that Mendes aims to present The Beatles’ story not as a straightforward biopic, but as an exploration that illuminates familiar events and personalities in an entirely novel light.
