The UK is experiencing a resurgence of Beatlemania, with the upcoming Sam Mendes biopics set to amplify the frenzy. The past few weeks have seen a surge in Beatles-related events, from Paul McCartney's new album to a recreation of the Sgt. Pepper's cover in Felixstowe.
Author Ian Leslie, who wrote 'John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs', compares the current wave to the 1990s revival, noting the band's unique cultural status akin to Shakespeare. He attributes the latest interest partly to Peter Jackson's documentary 'Get Back'.
The four Mendes films, each focusing on a different band member, are due in 2028 and feature Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan. Another project, the BBC drama 'Hamburg Days', is also in production.
Cultural critic Simon Reynolds highlights the Beatles' transformation from pop stars to psychedelic icons, embodying a changing Britain. Meanwhile, Pattie Boyd, ex-wife of George Harrison, expressed anger at not being contacted by Mendes's team regarding her portrayal.
Leslie predicts the films will create a cultural moment comparable to 'Barbenheimer', saying, 'It'll be like a second wave of Beatlemania.'
