Entertainment
All-Star Cast Revealed for Upcoming Beatles Film Quadrilogy

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan are set to take on iconic roles as they portray members of The Beatles in a groundbreaking series of four films, announced at CinemaCon on Monday. Each film will uniquely focus on a different band member, aiming to provide deeper insight into their lives and music.
Mescal, known for his role in the critically acclaimed BBC series *Normal People*, will depict Sir Paul McCartney, while Keoghan, celebrated for his performance in *The Banshees of Inisherin*, will embody Ringo Starr. Joining them are Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, each bringing their own talent to this ambitious project directed by Oscar-winner Sir Sam Mendes.
“Each one is told from the particular perspective of just one of the guys,” Mendes explained at the event. “They intersect in different ways – sometimes overlapping, sometimes not. They’re four very different human beings. Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.”
The quartet of films is slated for release in April 2028, a decision Mendes described as necessary due to the expansive story of The Beatles, the biggest-selling band of all time. “I just felt the story of the band was too huge to fit into a single movie,” he said. “Turning it into a TV mini-series just somehow didn’t feel right.”
Mescal, 29, has received acclaim for his roles in *Aftersun* and *Gladiator II*, and is expected to star as William Shakespeare in an adaptation of *Hamnet*. Keoghan’s recognition has grown with his portrayal of Complex characters in critically praised films. Dickinson, 28, previously starred in *Maleficent* and *Triangle of Sadness*, and was nominated for a Bafta TV Award. Joseph Quinn, 31, recently gained popularity with his role in *Stranger Things* and will appear in upcoming Marvel films.
This cinematic endeavor marks a significant collaboration, as it is the first time all four Beatles members and their estates have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. Mendes referred to the series as the “first bingeable theatrical experience,” highlighting the need for big cinematic events that draw audiences out of their homes.
During the announcement, the cast humorously recited lyrics from *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*, adding a nostalgic touch to the event. “It’s wonderful to be here, it’s certainly a thrill,” they performed in unison, embodying the spirit of the legendary band.
Formed in 1960, The Beatles transformed music and youth culture, consistently pushing the boundaries of their art. The band remains influential even after their split in 1970, fostering a legacy that has endured through decades. The surviving members have released new music in 2023, which included the song *Now And Then*, reflecting their ongoing impact on the music industry.
Previous film portrayals of The Beatles, including *Backbeat* and *Nowhere Boy*, have explored their lives, but this upcoming project is expected to provide the most comprehensive and authorized depiction yet. Mendes’ vision aims to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences, providing a unique cinematic experience that honors the band’s revolutionary legacy.