London witnessed a spectacular blast from the past this weekend as the city's streets were dramatically transformed into 1960s New York, all to capture the electric frenzy of Beatlemania for a groundbreaking new cinematic project. The capital played host to the commencement of filming for director Sam Mendes' highly anticipated series of four Beatles biopics, each dedicated to a different member of the legendary band.
A Fab Four for a New Generation
The ambitious cinematic endeavour, slated for a theatrical release in 2028, will feature four distinct films, with each movie focusing on the individual story of a Beatle at various pivotal moments in the group's iconic history. The casting has generated significant excitement, with a quartet of acclaimed young actors stepping into these monumental roles.
Meet the Stars Channeling Music Legends
Paul Mescal, the Irish actor, has undergone a remarkable transformation to portray Paul McCartney. Spotted on set, Mescal's McCartney was seen sporting the classic suit and distinctive bowl haircut that became synonymous with the band's early era. He will be joined by fellow Irish star Saoirse Ronan, who is set to play McCartney's first wife, Linda.
Taking on the role of the visionary John Lennon is Harris Dickinson. The actor, known for his work in films like The King's Man, was photographed without Lennon's famous round spectacles. Anna Sawai, acclaimed for her role in Shogun, will portray his second wife, Yoko Ono.
Joseph Quinn, celebrated for his role in Stranger Things, embodies the 'quiet Beatle', George Harrison. Harrison, the band's lead guitarist who penned classics like Here Comes The Sun, will see his first wife, Pattie Boyd, played by Aimee Lou Wood of The White Lotus fame.
Finally, Barry Keoghan, the star of Saltburn, steps into the shoes of drummer Ringo Starr (Sir Richard Starkey). His first wife, Maureen, will be portrayed by Mia McKenna-Bruce from The Seven Dials Mystery.
Recreating a Global Phenomenon
To authentically replicate the intense fan hysteria known as Beatlemania, which swept the globe from 1963 to 1966, production brought in crowds of extras to simulate the screaming fans. The scene was so vivid that some extras, playing enthusiastic admirers, were seen climbing onto cars in a fervent attempt to get closer to their idols, mirroring the chaotic adulation of the time.
The filming location in London was meticulously dressed to represent New York, complete with period-appropriate details and police barricades manned by actors in uniform, illustrating the massive security efforts required to manage the frenzied crowds. This attention to detail underscores the project's commitment to capturing the historical scale of the Beatles' impact, a phenomenon so vast that John Lennon once controversially remarked the band had become "more popular than Jesus".
This cinematic undertaking not only promises a deep dive into the personal lives and careers of each Beatle but also serves as a vivid recreation of a defining moment in cultural history, bringing the magic and mania of the 1960s back to life for a contemporary audience.
