Sam Mendes brings an ambitious four-part cinematic journey into the lives of John, Paul, George, and Ringo

Hollywood’s long-standing love affair with the Beatles is entering a bold new chapter. Director Sam Mendes has officially confirmed his ambitious plan to bring the story of the Fab Four to the big screen—not in one film, but in four separate features, each dedicated to one of the legendary musicians. Scheduled for release in April 2028, this cinematic event marks a milestone in the portrayal of the Beatles on screen.

After months of speculation and fan theories, Mendes unveiled the main cast at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Paul McCartney will be played by Paul Mescal, known for his breakout role in Normal People. Barry Keoghan, who gained critical acclaim in Saltburn, steps into the shoes of Ringo Starr. George Harrison will be portrayed by Joseph Quinn, best known as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things and as the Human Torch in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. John Lennon will come to life through Harris Dickinson, who recently starred alongside Nicole Kidman in Babygirl.

In true showbiz style, the new Fab Four made their debut in Vegas, bowing in a nod to the Ed Sullivan era and quoting lyrics from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “It’s wonderful to be here,” they said. “It’s really exciting. You’re such a lovely audience. We’d love to take you home with us.”

Since Mendes first announced the project over a year ago, Beatles fans have been buzzing with curiosity. And rightfully so—while there’s no shortage of Beatles films, documentaries, and tributes, nothing on this scale has ever been attempted. The production, officially titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, remains wrapped in mystery. Little is known about the narrative structure or supporting cast, though an insider jokingly revealed that “the Walrus is Paul,” nodding to one of the band’s most famous inside jokes.

What sets this project apart, aside from its scale, is the Hollywood approach. The tagline—“Each has their own story. Together, they’re legendary.”—leans more toward blockbuster-style marketing than Beatles philosophy. It’s a glossy, polished take aimed at a global audience, not necessarily purists. And with all four leads being high-profile actors in their own right, there’s an added layer of anticipation. These are seasoned professionals—Barry Keoghan, at 32, is already the same age Ringo was when the Beatles disbanded. The youngest of the new cast, Dickinson, is 28—the same age Lennon was when he created Revolution 9.

The buzz surrounding the announcement has reignited Hollywood’s fascination with the Beatles. While the band’s music, style, and cultural impact have never really faded, this project signals a renewed interest in telling their story through a modern lens. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about reintroducing the Beatles to a new generation—through the glitz, drama, and emotional depth that only cinema can offer.

And perhaps that’s the real reason Hollywood keeps coming back to the Beatles. They weren’t just a band—they were a cultural revolution, a symbol of change, experimentation, and unity. Their music transcended borders and generations. And now, with Sam Mendes at the helm, their story is set to be retold on a scale as legendary as the Beatles themselves.