Sam Mendes, the acclaimed director known for his work on James Bond films, is set to take on another iconic British institution: The Beatles. Mendes has announced that he will direct four separate fiction films, each focusing on a different member of the legendary band. This groundbreaking project has received the blessing of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison. It also marks the first time that the band members and rights holders Apple have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
The four films, which are set to be released in 2027, will tell interconnected stories from the perspective of each band member. According to a press release, the films will have an innovative and groundbreaking “dating cadence.” Mendes expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
While no writers or cast members have been announced yet, Mendes’ producer Pippa Harris revealed that the director had the idea over a year ago. She praised Mendes’ creative brilliance and powers of persuasion, highlighting how quickly McCartney, Starr, Lennon’s son Sean, and Harrison’s widow Olivia responded with warmth and enthusiasm when approached about the project. Harris emphasized that Mendes will have the freedom to delve into the lives of each Beatle without any limitations or pressure to present an authorized version of their rise to success.
Sony Pictures chairman and CEO Tom Rothman also expressed his excitement about the project, stating that theatrical movie events must be culturally seismic. He believes that Mendes’ daring and large-scale idea, combined with the music and stories of the four young men who changed the world, will captivate audiences worldwide. Rothman expressed gratitude to all parties involved and looks forward to breaking some rules with Mendes’ unique artistic vision.
The Beatles, formed in 1960, revolutionized the course of musical history before disbanding in 1970. In addition to their numerous albums and hit singles, they made five feature films that corresponded with their groundbreaking albums. While most of these films were well-received, the 1967 release of Magical Mystery Tour received mixed reviews. Over the years, dozens of documentaries and biopics have been made about the band, with notable examples including Ron Howard’s The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (2016) and Peter Jackson’s acclaimed three-part eight-hour movie, Get Back (2021).
Mendes, born in 1965, grew up during the height of The Beatles’ fame. His most recent film, Empire of Light, is an autobiographical drama set in the early 1980s and features a soundtrack heavily influenced by contemporary two-tone music. Mendes gained international recognition with his debut film, American Beauty, which won five Oscars in 2000, including Best Picture and Best Director. He then went on to direct two highly successful James Bond films, Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015), both of which became the highest-grossing films in the franchise. Skyfall also received critical acclaim.
Mendes’ war film, 1917, garnered 10 Oscar nominations in 2020, winning three awards. However, it narrowly missed out on the key awards to Parasite. In addition to his film career, Mendes has also directed high-profile stage productions, including revivals of classic musicals like Cabaret, Oliver!, Company, and Gypsy. He directed the original West End staging of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2013 and recently opened Jez Butterworth’s new play, The Hills of California, in London.
With Mendes at the helm and the full support of the surviving Beatles and their families, these upcoming films promise to be a unique and immersive experience for fans and moviegoers alike. As we eagerly await further announcements regarding the cast and creative team, it’s clear that Mendes’ passion for storytelling and his ability to captivate audiences will ensure that these films do justice to the incredible legacy of The Beatles.