This was practically a given.
Roger Deakins, possibly the greatest living cinematographer, has been offered to lens all four of Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics, set to shoot next year. No word yet on whether Deakins has signed a deal, but an offer is definitely on the table.
This is not a surprising development, we knew that, given Deakins and Mendes having collaborated on five films, including the DP’s last two efforts (“1917” and “Empire of Light”), there would be an attempt to lure the legendary cinematographer back for these Beatles films.
Last week, the InSneider reported a rumor that had Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr), and Charlie Rowe (George Harrison) playing the Fab Four. These films are set to be interconnected stories, one from each band member’s point of view. Mendes will direct all four films. Krsyty Wilson Cairns is writing the scripts.
For the first time ever, Apple Corps. and The Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. Sony chief Tom Rothman stated Mendes was eyeing a mid-2025 shoot in the UK and, all four films will be released in 2027. My best guess is that we get each of them rolled out in the winter, spring, summer and fall.
Deakins currently has no projects lined up. He was originally supposed to shoot Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet,” back when Mendes was attached as the director, but was replaced by Lukasz Zal (“Cold War,” “Ida,” “The Zone of Interest”). Deakins left the project around the same time Mendes did.
Deakins is known for photography that balances light and darkness. He can build tension using shadows and manipulating light to great effect. He is a mood-setter, always opting for natural and practical lighting, and innovative color palettes. Some of Deakins’ most iconic work can be found in “No Country For Old Men,” “The Assassination of Jesse James,” “Fargo,” “Blade Runner 2049” and “Skyfall.”