The star-studded cast for Sam Mendes' highly anticipated series of Beatles biopics continues to grow, with three more acclaimed actors announced for pivotal supporting roles. This ambitious cinematic project, which has secured unprecedented rights from The Beatles' Apple Corps, will unfold across four separate films, each focusing on a different member of the legendary band.
A-List Additions to the Fab Four's Inner Circle
Fresh casting details were confirmed via the production's official Instagram page. David Morrissey is set to portray Jim McCartney, the father of Paul McCartney. Leanne Best will take on the role of John Lennon's influential Aunt Mimi, who helped raise him. Meanwhile, Bobby Schofield has been cast as Neil Aspinall, the band's road manager and a close schoolfriend of both Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
These new names join an already impressive ensemble. The core Fab Four will be played by Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr), and Joseph Quinn (George Harrison). Other key figures confirmed include James Norton as manager Brian Epstein, Harry Lloyd as producer George Martin, and Daniel Hoffmann-Gill, Arthur Darvill, and Adam Pally in other essential roles.
A Revolutionary Cinematic Experience for 2028
The monumental scale of the project was formally unveiled by director Sam Mendes at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Mendes, 59, presented his four leading actors and revealed the unique release strategy. All four films, collectively titled 'The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event,' are scheduled for release in April 2028.
Mendes explained his vision, stating the band's story was simply "too big for one film," but he was determined to avoid turning it into a television series. Sony's film chief, Tom Rothman, has dubbed the project "the first binge-able theatrical experience." The films will be released "in proximity" to each other, encouraging audiences to experience the epic narrative in a new way.
"We're not just making one film about the Beatles — we're making four," Mendes announced. "Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply... I've been trying to make a movie about them for years." He expressed his honour at telling the story of "the greatest rock band of all time" and his desire to "challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies."
An Unprecedented Access Agreement
This project marks a historic moment in entertainment. It is the first time The Beatles and Apple Corps have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. This level of access promises an authentic and comprehensive portrayal of the band's journey, from their early days to global superstardom.
At the CinemaCon presentation, the cast members recited lyrics from 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' and concluded with a coordinated bow, paying homage to the band's iconic style. With a stellar cast now taking shape and a groundbreaking release model, Sam Mendes' Beatles biopics are poised to be a major cinematic event for a new generation of fans when they arrive in 2028.
