The highly anticipated series of Beatles biopics directed by Sam Mendes has hit a significant roadblock, with filmmakers officially banned from shooting at the band's iconic Abbey Road crossing.
Council Rejects Filming Request
Westminster Council has reportedly refused permission for the production to film at the legendary zebra crossing, a location synonymous with The Beatles' celebrated 1969 album cover. The primary concern cited was that closing the road for a safe filming environment would cause major traffic disruption in the area.
An insider revealed that the council's decision was based on the inevitable road closure required. The source explained that the site already experiences constant disruption from tourists recreating the famous album cover, and the presence of a full film crew would magnify this problem exponentially.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Dilemma
The four-film project, announced earlier this year, features an all-star cast. Paul Mescal is set to play Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon, Barry Keoghan stars as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn will take on the role of George Harrison.
With production now underway, the ban presents a serious creative challenge. Mendes had specifically intended to faithfully recreate the Abbey Road album cover. Producers now face the difficult choice of omitting the scene entirely or finding an alternative location, as they are reportedly reluctant to rely on CGI, which they fear would lack authenticity.
Wives and Wider Project Details
The casting for the Fab Four's partners has also been confirmed. Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney, Aimee Lou Wood is cast as Pattie Boyd, Anna Sawai will portray Yoko Ono, and Mia McKenna-Bruce takes the role of Maureen Cox.
Entitled 'The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event', this landmark project marks the first time Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have granted rights for feature films about their lives. Each movie will present the story from the unique perspective of a different band member, charting their journey from Liverpool obscurity in the early 1960s to global superstardom and their eventual breakup in 1970. All four films are scheduled for a simultaneous release in April 2028.
