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The Beatles: 4 biopics planned by Sam Mendes

22.2.2024

Translation: machine translated

Director Sam Mendes conceived the tetralogy himself. Each band member is to have their own biopic - told from their own perspective. The project is due to be released in cinemas in 2027.

The Beatles are an absolute phenomenon in pop culture. Whether today - more than 50 years after their break-up - or in their active days, they are and were celebrated enthusiastically. Their musical style, their demeanour: They have had a lasting influence on at least one generation. And even today, the band is constantly gaining new fans.

Filmmaker Sam Mendes ("1917", "American Beauty", "Skyfall") will according to Variety tackle the history of the Beatles in a total of four films. Each film is dedicated to one of the Fab Four (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr) and is told from their perspective. In this way, the films are to be linked in terms of content.

The four films will be released in cinemas at different times in 2027

All four films are to be released in cinemas in 2027. Not at the same time, but according to Sony there will be an "innovative release rhythm". Sam Mendes has obtained the blessing of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, who died in 1980 and 2001 respectively, for the project. They also granted him the music rights for the film. This project is the first time that Apple Corps and the Beatles have granted all rights to the life story and music for a feature film. Apple Corps is the Beatles' company. It will be represented by Jeff Jones and will be involved in the production. Sony will finance the project.

Further details on the content and cast are not yet known. I'm very excited about the casting. Which actors will take on the roles of the Fab Four? Who will play other greats such as Linda McCartney, Pete Best or Yoko Ono?

The Beatles - Now and Then

With over a billion records sold, The Beatles are still regarded as the most successful band in music history. After their formation in 1960, they achieved their worldwide breakthrough in 1963 with the single "I Want to Hold Your Hand". They were characterised by a mixture of rock, pop and beat. Thanks to their innovative musical style and appearance, they quickly became an integral part of the pop culture of the time, whose influences can still be felt today. After splitting up in 1970, all four band members successfully pursued their own musical projects.

Since the band broke up, three singles have been released, "Free as a Bird" (1995), "Real Love" (1996) and "Now and Then" (2023), which John Lennon as composer did not finish before his death in 1980 and which were later reworked by the remaining band members. The song "Now and Then" was to be released as the third reunion single on the album "Anthology 3" in the mid-1990s. However, according to McCartney, George Harrison did not want to continue working on it due to technical problems.

Three-part documentary "Get Back" from 2021

The three-part documentary "Get Back" by director Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings") also caused a stir in 2021. He drew on extensive archive material. The film is about album recordings and the Beatles' last live performance together.