Compare the Beatles Biopic Cast with the Real Musicians They Portray

Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney in ‘The Beatles’; Paul McCartney of The Beatles attends a press conference on Feb. 5, 1968, in London.
Credit:

Chiabella James/Columbia Pictures; David Redfern/Redferns

Key Details

• In early 2024, Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions confirmed that director Sam Mendes would create biopics for each member of The Beatles: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison.
• Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn are slated to portray the iconic group.
• Mescal commented that participating in the project would be a “dream come true.”

Some of Hollywood’s leading stars are set to embody The Beatles in an upcoming series of films. Director Sam Mendes has been tasked with bringing the legendary band’s story to life through four separate biopics, each spotlighting an individual member.

The project, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, was officially announced in early 2024. It is expected to premiere in April 2028. During CinemaCon in March 2025, the complete cast was confirmed, with Mescal taking on the role of McCartney, Dickinson as Lennon, Keoghan as Starr, and Quinn representing Harrison.

Reflecting on his long-time ambition to portray the group, Mendes told the audience, “The Beatles changed my understanding of music. I’ve been trying to make a movie about them for years.” In January 2026, Sony Pictures released the first images of the actors in character.

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Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney

Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney in ‘The Beatles’; Paul McCartney performs with The Beatles on March 20, 1964.

Chiabella James/Columbia Pictures; G Greenwell and A MacDonald/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty

In his role, Mescal will portray McCartney, who shared vocal duties with Lennon and contributed on piano, guitar, and drums. Throughout his career, McCartney has earned 18 Grammy Awards and received a lifetime achievement award as both a solo artist and a member of The Beatles.

In December 2024, prior to the casting announcement, Mescal expressed his enthusiasm for the role, calling it “an incredible story to be attached to” and noting it would be “a dream come true.”

The Oscar-nominated actor gained fame with the Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People in 2020 and has since starred in Aftersun (2022) and Gladiator II (2024).

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Harris Dickinson as John Lennon

Harris Dickinson as John Lennon in ‘The Beatles’; John Lennon during a performance in 1966.

Chiabella James/Columbia Pictures; Keystone/Getty

Dickinson will take on the role of Lennon, the late guitarist and co-songwriter of The Beatles. Lennon was tragically killed on December 8, 1980, at age 40. In 1994, McCartney inducted him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

Dickinson expressed his thoughts on the casting rumors in December 2024, stating, “It would be amazing to do that.” He acknowledged the depth of the role, calling Lennon a “complex character” and expressing enthusiasm for working with Mendes on the project.

In 2017, Dickinson gained initial recognition with his role in Beach Rats, followed by significant performances in Triangle of Sadness (2022) and The Iron Claw (2023). More recently, he appeared alongside Nicole Kidman in the 2024 film Babygirl.

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Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr

Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr in ‘The Beatles’; Ringo Starr performs on BBC TV show ‘Top Of The Pops’ on June 16, 1966, in London.

Chiabella James/Columbia Pictures; Mark and Colleen Hayward/Redferns

Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles, who joined the band in 1962 to replace Pete Best. Following the group’s split in 1970, Starr embarked on a successful solo career.

Responding to reports of Keoghan’s casting, Starr remarked in December 2024, “It’s great.” He jokingly added, “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons. I hope not too many,” showcasing his characteristic sense of humor.

Keoghan, an Oscar-nominated actor, is recognized for his roles in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) and Saltburn (2023).

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Joseph Quinn as George Harrison

Joseph Quinn as George Harrison in ‘The Beatles’; George Harrison on May 16, 1974.

Chiabella James/Columbia Pictures; Christian Rose/Roger Viollet via Getty

Quinn will take on the role of Harrison, the esteemed lead guitarist of The Beatles. Harrison passed away from lung cancer on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58 and was posthumously honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his solo work in 2004.

The four-part film series will reunite Quinn with Mescal, as both actors appeared in Gladiator II (2024). Quinn is also known for his work in Stranger Things and will feature in the upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One (2024).