Sam Mendes Unveils Star-Studded Cast for Ambitious 2028 Beatles Cinematic Tetralogy

The entertainment world has received its first official glimpse of the ensemble cast for Sam Mendes’ monumental cinematic undertaking, titled "The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event." These promotional materials, initially discovered by students at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), have solidified major casting rumors and sparked intense industry discussion. Mendes, the acclaimed director behind "Skyfall" and "007: Spectre," has conceptualized this project as a groundbreaking theatrical experience designed for a binge-watching format.

During a high-profile announcement at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the official roles for the legendary quartet were finally confirmed. Harris Dickinson has been cast as John Lennon, while Paul Mescal is set to portray Paul McCartney. Joseph Quinn will step into the shoes of George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan is slated to bring Ringo Starr to life. These actors, representing the vanguard of contemporary British and Irish cinema, are preparing for an extensive production schedule that is expected to span more than 15 months of filming.

This cinematic tetralogy is structured as four interconnected feature-length films, with each installment focusing on the personal journey and perspective of a specific band member. Sony Pictures Entertainment is handling both production and global distribution for the series. Notably, this marks the first time Apple Corps has granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film project. Producer Pippa Harris explained that the creative goal is to weave a singular, cohesive narrative of the band’s history through four distinct and contrasting viewpoints.

Beyond the main quartet, the supporting cast has been revealed, adding depth to the narrative regarding the musicians' personal lives and relationships. Saoirse Ronan has secured the role of Linda McCartney, and Anna Sawai is confirmed to play Yoko Ono. Mia McKenna-Bruce will portray Maureen Starkey, while Aimee Lou Wood is currently in negotiations to take on the role of Pattie Boyd. Director Mendes has highlighted the significance of these characters, describing them as four fascinating and unique figures who were essential to the band's story.

All four films are scheduled for a simultaneous global theatrical release on April 7, 2028, a move that Sony Chairman Tom Rothman described as a necessary strategy for a venture of this unprecedented scale. The production, which has already commenced in the United Kingdom, carries an estimated budget exceeding $400 million, allocating approximately $100 million to each chapter. Visual duties fall to cinematographer Greig Fraser, renowned for his work on "Dune." The scripts for this four-part biopic, which draws inspiration from Bob Spitz’s "The Beatles: The Biography," are being penned by the writing team of Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne.