First Look at The Beatles Biopic Stars Revealed in Unique Way
Fans are getting an early glimpse of the actors set to embody the legendary Fab Four in an upcoming series of four highly anticipated biopics. The ambitious cinematic event, spearheaded by acclaimed director Sam Mendes, aims to explore the lives and careers of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr from their individual perspectives.
Scheduled for a simultaneous release on April 7, 2028, these films promise an in-depth look at the iconic band. The casting, announced last year, has now taken a unique turn with the release of special postcards featuring the actors in character.
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), an institution co-founded by Paul McCartney in 1996, shared these exclusive postcards, much to the delight of Beatles enthusiasts. The images offer a tantalising preview of the actors’ transformations into their respective band members.
The Fab Four in Character: A Closer Look
Paul McCartney will be brought to life by Irish actor Paul Mescal. A postcard shows Mescal channelling McCartney in the band’s early days, possibly at the iconic Cavern Club. He’s seen sporting the signature 60s mop-top haircut, a stark contrast to his usual styling, and a simple T-shirt. This marks the first time the 29-year-old actor has been seen in character as the music legend.
Ringo Starr will be portrayed by Barry Keoghan. Keoghan’s postcard depicts him as Starr, complete with a black and white spotted shirt, a paisley tie, and headphones resting around his neck, capturing the drummer’s distinctive style.
John Lennon is set to be played by Harris Dickinson. The postcard featuring Dickinson shows him mid-performance, singing into a microphone while wearing headphones. He also dons Lennon’s instantly recognisable round glasses, a detail that fans will no doubt appreciate.
George Harrison will be embodied by Joseph Quinn. Quinn’s portrayal is showcased in a close-up shot, highlighting his transformation with shoulder-length, wavy hair, reflecting Harrison’s iconic look during his time with the band.
LIPA playfully announced the postcards’ arrival on campus, stating, “We’ve been given exclusive postcards promoting the new Beatles movies! We’ve hidden them around LIPA, and we want students to find them.”
Expanding the Cast: Partners and Love Interests
Beyond the core band members, the biopics will also feature key figures in their lives. Sony confirmed last year that Anna Sawai will play Yoko Ono, Lennon’s artistic partner. The role of Linda McCartney, Paul’s late wife and a talented photographer, will be played by Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan.
Further casting includes Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in The White Lotus, who will portray Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s first wife. Mia McKenna-Bruce is set to play Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr’s first wife.
Unprecedented Approval and Director’s Vision
This collection of films marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, have granted full approval for their life stories and music rights to be used in a scripted film series.
Director Sam Mendes, speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, described the project as the “first binge-able theatrical experience.” He expressed his long-held desire to tell the story of The Beatles, aiming to offer audiences a deeper understanding of the individual band members. Mendes emphasised the need for “big cinematic events” to draw people back to cinemas and stated his belief that his films will explore new facets of the band’s epic narrative for a contemporary audience.
Casting Choices Spark Debate
Despite the high anticipation, the casting choices have not been without their critics. Upon the initial announcement, many fans questioned the resemblance between the chosen actors and the Fab Four, expressing doubts about their suitability for the iconic roles.
Notably, John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, voiced her opinion last year, suggesting that the roles should have been given to lesser-known actors. She specifically challenged the selection of Paul Mescal, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to fame since his screen debut in the series Normal People. Baird commented on Mescal’s extensive work, stating, “Well he’s in everything! What’s wrong with Liverpool? We have actors, and they speak the language.”
She questioned the casting process, wondering if Liverpool-based actors had been considered. Baird also raised concerns about the difficulty of authentically replicating a Liverpool accent, a crucial element for portraying the band members. She pointed out that Liverpool has numerous acting schools, implying that emerging talent could have been nurtured for these significant roles.
Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles remain the best-selling musical act of all time, boasting an impressive record of 18 UK number-one singles and 16 UK number-one albums. The upcoming biopics are poised to reignite interest in their enduring legacy.
