Many are wondering exactly how Sam Mendes plans to pull off his ambitious series of four Beatles films, which are set to be shot consecutively, each with a different screenwriter in a “Rashomon”-style narrative. The logistics of this project are just as fascinating as the films themselves.
The four Beatles will be portrayed by Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon.
Keoghan, currently deep in preparation along with his co-stars, told The Sun, “We’re in what we’re calling ‘Beatles bootcamp’ right now.” He added that the group anticipates 15 months of shooting for the Mendes-directed project. That timeline checks out—approximately three to four months of production per film.
Sony has confirmed that all four films will be released theatrically in April 2028, with a strategy reportedly involving one film debuting each Friday of that month.
As for the writers, Peter Straughan (Conclave), Jack Thorne (Adolescence), and Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari) are each penning one installment. The fourth screenwriter is widely believed to be Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917), although her involvement has yet to be officially confirmed.
Casting continues to take shape: Anna Sawai (Shōgun) will portray Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s partner, while Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) is set to play Patti Boyd, George Harrison’s wife of 11 years.
Additional casting announcements are expected in the coming months, along with a director of photography. Mendes has reportedly offered the role to longtime collaborator Roger Deakins, though it’s still unclear whether he has accepted.