From left: Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal – the actors playing George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and Paul McCartney respectively – at the event in Las Vegas. Photograph: Alberto E Rodríguez/Getty Images for CinemaCon
James Whitehead
Ongoing this week is CinemaCon, an annual convention for all the big movie studios and other business executives, relating to the world of film, to get together and present what their studio is releasing the following year.
Because of this, it’s a great week for movie news; with castings, titles and release dates all being confirmed throughout the week.
This year’s CinemaCon opened in a big way with Sony, who decided to close their panel by speaking about their plans and cast for their new “Beatles” biopic with director Sam Mendes.
Sam Mendes, director of “1917”, “Skyfall”, “American Beauty” and “Empire of Light” amongst others, spoke directly about their ambitious plans to not just make one film about this chapter in the iconic group’s life, but instead to make four?
That’s right, they’re making four films about the same event, instead told from each of the bandmember’s perspective. The Director said on stage, the idea was pitched to him as “the first bingeable theatrical experience.” All four films are set to be released together, with interlocking stories, altogether working to tell an extensive story about the band.
Whilst this idea is very ambitious and unlike anything we’ve seen before, Sony have hired a fantastic director to bring this life, on top of that, they have also gone and grabbed four of the hottest, young actors on the planet to bring it together.
Your cast for the upcoming ‘Beatles’ films:
- Joseph Quinn, as George Harrison
- Barry Keoghan, as Ringo Starr
- Harris Dickinson, as John Lennon
- Paul Mescal, as Paul McCartney
Once we hear those scouse accents we will know for sure, but on the surface, they’ve created a very talented cast. Joseph Quinn, who recently stared in Gladiator 2 will also be making his debut in the MCU this year when he plays Johnny Storm, in “Fantastic Four: First steps”. Barry Keoghan has gathered all sort of acclaim the last few years for his roles in “Banshees of Inisherin”, “Saltburn” and even a cameo as the Joke in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman”. Harris Dickinson is best known for his recent breakout role in “Babygirl”. Mescal was also in “Gladiator 2” in the starring role opposite Quinn.
With more exciting announcements to be made this week, Sony certainly kicked things off with a very ambitious display of intent. All four “Beatles” films are set to be released within the month of April, in 2026. Only then will we see how this groundbreaking storytelling idea will be pulled off.
For more updates from CinemaCon, stay tuned to the TV and Film news section, on our Essex Hits Player.
All images courtesy of Getty.
