Everything We Know About the Four Beatles Biopics

Gabrielle Moss November 29, 8:00 am

HELP!, from left: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon 1965 — Everett Collection

Everett Collection

If watching Beatles ’64 on Disney+ has made you feel like you’ve got to get more Fab Four into your life, you’re in luck: Four Beatles biopics are currently in the works, each based on a different band member’s life. Announced in early 2023, the four films will tell the story of the rise of the Beatles, from John, Paul, George and Ringo‘s perspectives, respectively.

In addition to the many documentaries dedicated to the band, there have been scripted Beatles biopics before, including 1994’s Backbeat, which focused on the band’s Hamburg years, and 2009’s Nowhere Boy, which fictionalized John Lennon’s youth. And in 2007, the jukebox musical Across the Universe used the music of the Beatles to tell the story of a young couple living through the turbulent ’60s. But these new films will be the first to delve deeply into the band’s entire career.

Here’s everything else we know about the upcoming biopics.

31st August 1966: The Beatles disembark from an aeroplane at London Airport in the early morning, on return from their American tour. They are, from the bottom up, Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Paul McCartney and George Harrison (1943 - 2001)

What Is the Plot of the Movies?

The films will each tell the story of the rise of Beatles, culminating in their 1970 breakup. According to producer Pippa Harris, “We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives, which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time.” Director Sam Mendes said in a statement, “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.”

Who Will Play the Beatles?

No casting has been confirmed for the films, though rumors have suggested that Paul Mescal may play Paul McCartney, and Barry Keoghan may play Ringo Starr. Ringo Starr recently made a comment to Entertainment Tonight that seemed to confirm Keoghan’s casting: “I think it’s great. I believe [Keoghan]’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.” Mescal, meanwhile, said that “I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.”

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon & hairstylists (harrison's future wife Patti is behind him) in a publicity shot for the film, 1964.

Everett Collection

What Songs Will Be Included in the Films?

We don’t know the specific songs that will be used, or whether the film will use original recordings or have the actors perform the songs. But we do know that Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison have granted the project full life story and music rights, so any Beatles tune could theoretically pop up in the film.

Who’s Making the Movies?

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, known for films like American Beauty and Skyfall, will be directing all four films. The screenwriters for each film have not been announced.

When Will the Movies Be Released?

All four films are slated for release in 2027, though specific dates have not yet been set.

Courtest Everett Collection

Will They Be Streaming or Released in Theaters?

As of now, the films are all planned for theatrical release, and will surely be screened here, there and everywhere.

Will All Four Movies Be Released at Once?

We don’t yet know if the films will be released all at once, or separately over the course of 2027. But whenever they do, we know that we’ll come together, right now, at the movies.