Sony Pictures unveils the cast for Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-film Beatles project
In a move set to shake up the spring 2028 film calendar, Sony Pictures confirmed the principal cast for Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated The Beatles project. Dubbed a four-film cinematic event, the series will bring together an ensemble of acclaimed actors to portray iconic figures connected with the legendary band at different moments in its history. The project, led by Mendes, promises an expansive, character-driven exploration of the Beatles’ world across multiple installments.
The quartet of leads: who plays who
The studio announced four principal cast members who will anchor the series:
- Mia McKenna-Bruce stars as Maureen (Cox) Starkey, a historically significant figure who helped shape the musical environment around the band in the early years.
- Saoirse Ronan plays Linda (Eastman) McCartney, a pivotal presence whose personal and professional ties to the group have long fascinated fans and critics alike.
- Anna Sawai takes on the role of Yoko Ono, a figure whose influence on the band’s later years is widely discussed and debated in cultural discourse.
- Aimee Lou Wood portrays Pattie Boyd, a model and muse whose connections to the band have inspired enduring interest and storytelling potential.
Each performer brings a distinctive voice and a track record of nuanced, character-driven performances, signaling Mendes’ intent to delve into the personal narratives surrounding the music ecosystem of the era rather than simply recounting public milestones.
A four-film approach to a multi-faceted story
The Beatles four-film format is designed to explore different branches of the group’s orbit—from the private lives of key collaborators to the broader cultural impact that the music generated across generations. Mendes is known for his ability to craft intimate, actor-centered storytelling within sweeping, cinematic contexts. The four-film structure allows room for both intimate character studies and broader social commentary, reflecting the complex history of the band and the cultural epoch they helped define.
What this means for fans and the industry
For fans, the project signals a rare, multi-entry cinematic event that could reshape audience expectations for biographical and music-centered dramas. For industry observers, the ensemble casting and the involvement of Mendes suggest a high-prestige production with a strong emphasis on performance, period detail, and narrative ambition. The April 2028 release window positions the films as a potential springboard for festival debuts, award-season conversations, and cross-media promotion in the following years.
Production notes and expectations
While specific plotlines remain under wraps, the casting choices indicate a focus on personal and interpersonal dynamics that intertwine with the Beatles’ sprawling cultural impact. Cinematography, production design, and music supervision are expected to be meticulous, aiming to recreate the era authentically while allowing contemporary audiences to engage with the material in a fresh, emotionally resonant way. Mendes’ collaboration with a diverse cast also raises expectations for dynamic ensemble scenes, where each actor’s portrayal can illuminate different facets of the era’s social and musical landscape.
National and global reception on the horizon
As the project moves into its next phases, press coverage, trailer releases, and behind-the-scenes glimpses will likely intensify, drawing music lovers, film fans, and long-time Beatles enthusiasts. The four-film format presents both creative risk and creative opportunity, inviting audiences to invest in a sprawling, multi-layered narrative experience that could redefine what a biographical music drama can be in the streaming and theatrical era.
About the project
Produced by Sony Pictures and directed by Sam Mendes, the four-film event is planned for cinemas in April 2028. The project underscores Mendes’ continued commitment to ambitious, character-rich storytelling anchored in landmark cultural moments.
