There have been many films over the years that have chronicled The Beatles in some way or another. Most notably, Sam Taylor-Johnson tackled the early years of John Lennon with her 2009 biopic, Nowhere Boy. The focus of the movie was heavily zoned in on Lennon as he navigated his tumultuous teenage years. However, the other Beatles members were mere supporting characters.
In 2024, it was announced that Sam Mendes will be the next filmmaker to take on the legendary life story of John Lennon. Yet, he isn’t stopping there. The Oscar-winning writer/director is set to helm four separate films about each member, with the title simply being their first name. Therefore, the films will be called Paul, John, Ringo, and George. Here’s everything we know so far and a guide to the actors who are reportedly taking on the roles.
Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
Paul Mescal is gearing up for the biggest year of his career in 2024 as he takes the lead in Ridley Scott‘s highly-anticipated movie, Gladiator 2. However, prior to this, he had already made massive waves in movies like All of Us Strangers, and Aftersun, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. As well as this, he became a heartthrob in the UK for his leading role in the Mini Series, Normal People.
After reports spread that Mescal would take on the role of Paul McCartney, many speculated that his thick Irish accent would be a hurdle. However, if you look closely into the dialect, Irish accents have some similarities with the Liverpudlian accents that every Beatles member has/had. Plus, Mescal has already displayed a skill for adopting new accents. In terms of his looks, Mescal actually has a similar jaw structure to McCartney. So, this casting choice feels rather fitting. Lastly, it is safe to assume that the role will be in good hands as Mescal was touted as one of the next Hollywood A-Listers by The Hollywood Reporter in 2024.
Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
Harris Dickinson is a fast-rising star from the UK with two BAFTA nominations to his name. He has starred in acclaimed films like Beach Rats, Triangle of Sadness, and Where the Crawdads Sing. In 2024, he shot to mainstream visibility with his role in The Iron Claw, playing real-life wrestling legend David Von Erich. Dickinson is reportedly taking on the role of John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ quartet of movies.
If this casting turns out to be true, he will be undertaking the biggest role of his career, as the late Lennon is arguably the most iconic member of The Beatles. Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980. He was 40 years old when he was murdered. As of yet, it is unknown if Lennon’s demise will be featured in the movie, however, it is hard to imagine that it won’t be considering it was one of the most prolific and heartbreaking moments in pop culture history.
Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
Barry Keoghan is one of the most eclectic actors of his generation, with an Oscar nomination to show for it. Across his career, he has taken on a wide array of roles, and shines brightest as a despicable villain. However, in Sam Mendes’ upcoming movie Ringo, Keoghan will switch from evil to heroic as Ringo Starr, the drummer for The Beatles. Keoghan is known to immerse himself into his roles. With that said, he has an opportunity to deliver the performance of his lifetime, as Ringo Starr is still alive and well. Therefore, he has ample ability to immortalise the musical legend if he gets the chance to meet with him and pick his brain.
In terms of the famous Liverpudlian accent (widely known as the Scouse accent), Keoghan has already tried to mimic this in Saltburn. However, it was met with mixed reviews, with many saying it wasn’t authentic. Considering that The Beatles are known as the most famous “Scousers” of all time, Keoghan will likely need to work with a voice coach to make sure he doesn’t meet heavy criticism again.
Charlie Rowe as George Harrison
Charlie Rowe was born on 23 April 1996 in Islington, London, England. Out of the four reported actors set to play the iconic Beatles, he is perhaps the least well known. However, this is rather fitting, as George Harrison was much more reserved, especially compared to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who many considered to be the frontmen of the band. Despite not achieving widespread recognition thus far, Rowe has starred in acclaimed movies like Never Let Me Go, and Rocketman, and the popular TV series Slow Horses.
Out of The Beatles, George Harrison’s life was both inspiring and heartbreaking. Tragedy struck in 1999 when an intruder broke into his home in Oxfordshire, attacking him and stabbing him 40 times. Harrison miraculously survived the brutal assault but was left shaken and in bad health. His health began to decline further, and he succumbed to lung cancer in 2001 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire generations. Want to read more about The Beatles? Here’s the real reasons behind the band’s breakup.
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