First Glimpse of Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan as Beatles in Upcoming Biopic Series
Fans of The Beatles have been treated to an unexpected sneak peek at the actors set to portray the iconic Fab Four in Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film cinematic event. The first official images of Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr have emerged, generating significant buzz and debate ahead of the films' release in 2028.
Exclusive Postcards Reveal Character Transformations
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), co-founded by Paul McCartney in 1996, shared exclusive postcards featuring the actors in character. These promotional items were hidden around the LIPA campus for students to discover, offering a unique and intimate first look at the highly anticipated biopics.
In the postcard images, Paul Mescal is seen embodying a young Paul McCartney during The Beatles' early days at The Cavern Club. The Irish actor sports McCartney's signature 1960s mop-top haircut, wearing a simple T-shirt that captures the band's humble beginnings. This marks the first time Mescal has been publicly seen in the role, showcasing a striking transformation into the music legend.
Meanwhile, Barry Keoghan appears as Ringo Starr, dressed in a distinctive black and white spotted shirt with a paisley tie, complete with headphones draped around his neck. The other postcards reveal Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, wearing the late singer's trademark round glasses while singing into a microphone, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison with shoulder-length wavy hair in a close-up shot.
Controversial Casting Choices Spark Debate
The casting announcements have not been without controversy. Julia Baird, John Lennon's sister, publicly questioned the decision to cast established actors like Paul Mescal rather than giving opportunities to lesser-known Liverpool performers. In comments to the Daily Mail, Baird expressed concern about authenticity, particularly regarding accents, stating that "nobody can do a Liverpool accent" correctly in film.
Baird, a retired teacher, pointed to Liverpool's numerous acting schools and questioned why casting directors opted for big names rather than emerging local talent. This criticism comes despite the films representing a historic collaboration, marking the first time Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, have granted full approval for their life stories and music rights to be used in a scripted film project.
Supporting Cast and Production Details
The ensemble cast extends beyond the core band members. Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney, while Anna Sawai takes on the role of Yoko Ono. Additional casting includes Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, George Harrison's first wife, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr's first wife.
Director Sam Mendes described the project as "the first binge-able theatrical experience" during last year's CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas. The four films, collectively titled "The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event," will each tell the story from a different band member's perspective, with all releases scheduled for April 7, 2028.
Mendes explained his vision for the project, stating: "I've been trying to make a story about The Beatles for years. There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation. I can assure you there is still plenty left to explore, and I think we found a way to do that." The director emphasized that the films aim to help audiences "understand the band members a little more deeply" while creating a major cinematic event to draw people back to theaters.
Historical Significance and Anticipation
The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960, remain the best-selling musical act of all time, with 18 UK number one singles and 16 UK number one albums to their name. This biopic series represents a landmark moment in cinematic music history, given the unprecedented access granted by the surviving band members and estates.
As production continues toward the 2028 release, these first images have ignited conversations about casting authenticity, regional representation in film, and how modern cinema will interpret one of music's most enduring legacies. The debate surrounding the casting choices only adds to the anticipation for what promises to be one of the most significant film projects of the decade.
