Filming for a quartet of Beatles biopics, slated for release next year, has offered glimpses into the simmering tensions that existed within the iconic band. Actors portraying John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison were recently observed shooting scenes in London that depicted heated exchanges.
During one segment, Harris Dickinson, playing John Lennon, appeared to have his hands around Barry Keoghan's neck, who is portraying Ringo Starr. Concurrently, Paul Mescal, looking significantly altered in his portrayal of Paul McCartney, was seen in what appeared to be an argument, gesturing with a wagging finger at Keoghan's Ringo. IMAGE3
These on-set portrayals echo the well-documented conflicts that arose within the Beatles. While the biopics are exploring each member's perspective, the production aims to delve into the band's evolution from their early days in Liverpool to global stardom and their eventual breakup in 1970. This ambitious project marks the first time surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with the estates of the late John Lennon and George Harrison, have granted rights for feature films about them. IMAGE1
The four films, collectively titled "The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event," are scheduled for simultaneous release in 2028. Sam Mendes is directing the project, which promises a "bingeable theatrical experience."
One scene recreated the famous cover of the "Abbey Road" album, with Dickinson's Lennon leading the way across the zebra crossing, followed by Keoghan's Starr, Mescal's McCartney, and Joseph Quinn's Harrison. IMAGE4
The "Abbey Road" album cover, photographed by Iain Macmillan, captures the four members crossing the street outside the studios where they recorded much of their music. Macmillan had a brief 10-minute window to capture the iconic image, directing the band to walk back and forth across the crossing multiple times. Paul McCartney reportedly selected the final shot from the various takes. IMAGE6
On set, a replica of John Lennon's distinctive psychedelic Rolls-Royce Phantom V was also present, a vehicle significant to the band's story, originally black before being repainted in vibrant colors. Daniel Hoffmann-Gill was seen portraying Mal Evans, the Beatles' road manager and former bouncer. IMAGE10 IMAGE9
Supporting cast members include Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and James Norton as manager Brian Epstein. Mia McKenna-Bruce plays Ringo Starr's first wife, Maureen Starkey, and Harry Lloyd portrays producer George Martin, often referred to as the "fifth Beatle." Saoirse Ronan was also on set, appearing to sport a fake baby bump as Linda McCartney, who was pregnant with the couple's daughter Mary during the recording of "Abbey Road." IMAGE5 IMAGE8