Get ready for a cinematic revolution! The Beatles’ story is finally getting the epic treatment it deserves, and the latest casting news has just dropped, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Saoirse Ronan, the four-time Academy Award nominee, has been cast as Linda McCartney in Sam Mendes’ ambitious The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. This isn’t just another biopic—it’s a sprawling, multi-part saga that promises to dive deep into the lives of the Fab Four and the people who shaped their legacy.
For those who might not know, Linda McCartney wasn’t just Paul McCartney’s wife; she was a trailblazer in her own right. A photographer, musician, and animal rights activist, Linda rose to fame in the 1960s with her iconic portraits of rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors. She made history as the first female photographer to grace the cover of *Rolling Stone*, and her marriage to Paul in 1969 marked the beginning of a creative partnership that extended beyond their personal life. Together, they formed Wings, and she became a driving force in his post-Beatles career. Her passion for animal welfare led her to launch Linda McCartney Foods in 1991, a pioneering vegetarian brand that remains influential today. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 1998, but her impact endures.
And this is the part most people miss: Linda’s story adds a layer of complexity to the Beatles’ narrative, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in the music industry. Her inclusion in this project isn’t just a nod to her legacy—it’s a bold statement about the importance of telling multifaceted stories.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with Paul Mescal stepping into Paul McCartney’s shoes, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Behind the scenes, the screenplay is being crafted by a powerhouse trio: Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari), Peter Straughan (Conclave), and Jack Thorne (Adolescence). But here’s the controversial question: Will each writer tackle a single film, or will they collaborate across all four installments? Only time will tell.
Sam Mendes, the visionary director behind this project, has been open about the challenges of bringing the Beatles’ story to life. ‘The story was too big for one film,’ he admitted, explaining why he opted for a four-film approach instead of a TV series. ‘There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation,’ he said at CinemaCon earlier this year. And this is where it gets divisive: Can a film—or even four films—ever fully capture the magic of the Beatles? Some fans argue that no adaptation could do justice to their legacy, while others are eager to see Mendes’ take. What do you think?
With Neal Street Productions partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment and the full backing of Apple Corps Ltd., Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, this project has unprecedented access to the Beatles’ life story and music rights. Each film will focus on a different band member, offering a unique perspective on their rise to fame and the challenges they faced.
Mark your calendars: The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event is set to hit theaters in April 2028. But until then, the debate rages on: Will this be the definitive Beatles biopic, or is their story simply too monumental to capture on screen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
