Director Sir Sam Mendes has announced that he will be making four separate films about The Beatles, each from the perspective of a different band member. The films have been granted permission and music rights by Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison. This marks the first time that The Beatles and their company Apple Corps have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
Sir Sam Mendes, known for his work on films such as “1917” and the James Bond movies “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” expressed his excitement about the project, stating that he was honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time. He also mentioned his intention to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.
The films, produced by Sony Pictures and Sir Sam’s Neal Street Productions, are set to be released in cinemas in 2027. While it is unclear whether the four films will be released simultaneously or have a staggered rollout, Sony has promised an “innovative release cadence” that will be announced at a later date.
The project has generated immense enthusiasm among fans of The Beatles, who are widely regarded as the greatest British band of all time. With classic albums like “Rubber Soul,” “Revolver,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and “Abbey Road,” The Beatles have left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Their best-known hits include “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Eight Days A Week,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together,” “Here Comes The Sun,” “Twist and Shout,” “Love Me Do,” and “Help!” Most of their songs were written by Lennon and McCartney, although George Harrison often felt frustrated that his own compositions were not given equal weight by his bandmates.
The Beatles have had a significant presence on the silver screen throughout their career. In the 1960s, they starred in several of their own films, ranging from the madcap comedy of “A Hard Day’s Night” to the surreal psychedelia of “Yellow Submarine.” Following their breakup, numerous feature-length tributes were made, including “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand.”
Renowned directors have also been drawn to The Beatles’ story. Peter Jackson’s documentary “Get Back” repurposed footage from the recording of the band’s final album, while Martin Scorcese created a revealing documentary about George Harrison. Sam Taylor-Johnson dramatized John Lennon’s early life in “Nowhere Boy,” and Danny Boyle’s “Yesterday” imagined a world where The Beatles’ music was forgotten by everyone except one struggling musician.
Sir Sam Mendes’ upcoming films about The Beatles will delve into each band member’s unique story and bring them together in an innovative and captivating way. Producer Dame Pippa Harris described the project as a thrilling and epic cinematic experience, expressing gratitude for The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to undertake this endeavor.
While details about the specific narratives of each film remain undisclosed, fans are eagerly anticipating a fresh perspective on The Beatles’ journey. Mendes’ films have been authorized by the Beatles Corporation, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the band’s history.
In conclusion, Sir Sam Mendes’ forthcoming films about The Beatles promise to be a groundbreaking cinematic event. With unprecedented access to the band’s life story and music rights, Mendes has the opportunity to shed new light on one of the most influential bands in history. Fans can look forward to an immersive and captivating experience that will bring The Beatles’ legacy to life on the big screen.