Sony Pictures announced they made a deal with Apple Corps to produce a four-film biopic series based on The Beatles, to be directed by filmmaker Sam Mendes. Considered one of the greatest rock bands ever, The Beatles formed in 1960 and would eventually be comprised of musicians John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. While they disbanded between the end of the ’60s and the beginning of the ’70s, their songs have had immense staying power over the following decades. In the modern day, McCartney and Starr are the band’s surviving members.
Mendes is known for directing the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, as well as the war film 1917. Sony distributed the former two films. In a statement, Sony Pictures confirmed they’ve acquired the music and life story rights to create a film series inspired by The Beatles’ rise to fame. Each of the four films will tell an interconnected story from each member’s perspective. All four films will be released in 2027, with the suggestion the release strategy for the installments will be “innovative and groundbreaking.”
SAM MENDES HELMING FOUR-FILM BIOPIC PROJECT ON THE BEATLES
Mendes will direct all four films. “I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” said Mendes in the statement. Sony did not reveal any casting details regarding who will play McCartney, Lennon, Harrison, and Starr.
The search is definitely now on for young actors to play each member of The Beatles. While it seems likely the studio might go for big names like Tom Holland for the roles, it’d be preferable if they cast unknown British actors instead. Therefore, the actors can immerse themselves into playing these real-world figures, without audiences immediately associating them with bigger roles they’ve previously played.
Since practically every single music biopic has done it, it’s safe to assume the four films will chronicle The Beatles’ road to success. Specifically, the beginning of their international success, especially their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. I think the films won’t depict their entire run throughout the ’60s, like other biopics would, but will strictly focus on a particular moment as they started to achieve fame.
RELATED: Legendary Pictures Exits Warner Bros. Discovery and Sets Up Shop at Sony Pictures
On a cinematic level, it would be interesting to see how the films display The Beatles’ points of view. One big question is whether each film will reuse the same footage for some moments, but edit them to reinforce we’re seeing this scene from the eyes of a different member. Reusing more or less the same footage between each of the films opens up the possibility of a combined cut someday, blending their perspectives together.
Ultimately, today’s statement from Sony makes it seem audiences are in for the definitive cinematic depiction of The Beatles’ story when the films begin to release in 2027.
About The Beatles Four-Film Project
Release Date: 2027 (Final release dates TBA)
Director: Sam Mendes
Producers: Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor, Jeff Jones
Executive Producer: Jeff Jones
Production: Apple Films, Neal Street Productions, Sony Pictures
Distribution: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Cast: TBA
What are your thoughts on The Beatles getting a four-film biopic series? Who do you think should play the Fab Four? What’s your favorite song by The Beatles? Let us know by giving The Illuminerdi a shout-out on our social media, we’re always watching.
Source: Sony Pictures
KEEP READING: DUNE: PART TWO Review – The Pinnacle of a Great Movie-Going Experience
