Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles project continues to take shape — and this week brings a key piece of the puzzle into focus. The director behind 1917 and American Beauty is set to film four biopics, each centred on a different member of The Beatles. Now, the full team of screenwriters behind this four-part cinematic experiment has been revealed.
Already announced were Peter Straughan (Conclave) and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917), who are each penning one film. Joining them are Jack Thorne, best known for co-creating Netflix’s Adolescence, and Jez Butterworth, whose credits include Ford vs Ferrari, Spectre, and Edge of Tomorrow. Each writer is reportedly working independently, lending a unique perspective to each Beatle’s life — a concept that has drawn comparisons to Rashomon, with key events viewed through multiple lenses.
Filming is still slated to begin later this year, with Mendes expected to shoot the four films consecutively. The cast is already locked: Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. There’s also buzz around Anna Sawai (FX’s Shōgun), who’s in talks to portray Yoko Ono. As for the visuals, Mendes has reportedly offered the role of cinematographer to Roger Deakins — though whether the legendary DP accepts remains to be seen.
Sony plans to release all four films in cinemas across April 2028, one per week. It’s an unorthodox strategy, but fitting for a band that never played by the rules. With an all-star cast and an eclectic writing team now in place, the stage is set for what may be the most ambitious music biopic project ever attempted.
