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Draft:Beatles Quadrilogy (upcoming films)

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Beatles Quadrilogy is a set of four films from Sam Mendes and Sony Pictures Entertainment based on the Beatles. The four films are set to be told from the perspective of each band member: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Production

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Development

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By late 2023, director Sam Mendes began discussing plans to make films regarding the English rock band, the Beatles, with Sony Picture Entertainment (SPE). He had met with SPE's Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler, and stated that he had chosen SPE due to "Tom and Elizabeth’s passion for the idea and commitment to propelling these films theatrically in an innovative and exciting way." Mendes had conceived of the idea in 2022 and convinced the estates of each of the band members. By February 2024, SPE and Mendes' production company Neal Street Productions finished a deal to produce four distinct films for each band member: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.[1] Mendes was set to direct each film alongside Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor, while Jeff Jones will executive produce for Apple Corps Limited.[2] The estates and families of each band member also granted full life story and musical rights for the films, while Mendes was granted creative freedom.[1][3]

Bob Spitz, who wrote The Beatles: The Biography (2005), was collaborating with the filmmaker, and expected his book and interviews to help influence the script.[4]

Casting

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In June 2024, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Charlie Rowe were in contention to play the members.[5]

Filming

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Production was set to begin by mid-2025, with the intention of shooting all the films back-to-back. In June 2024, it was reported that cinematographer Roger Deakins was offered the opportunity to collaborate with Mendes on all four films in the project.[6]

Release

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The films, Untitled Paul McCartney film, Untitled John Lennon film, Untitled George Harrison film and Untitled Ringo Starr film are expected to be released theatrically in 2027.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b Fleming Jr, Mike (February 20, 2024). "Sam Mendes, Sony & Apple Corps Set Four Beatles Theatrical Movies On Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison & Ringo Starr". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  2. ^ Shoard, Catherine (20 February 2024). "'Nothing off limits': Sam Mendes to direct four Beatles films – one about each member". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Sam Mendes / Neal Street Productions To Make Landmark Beatles Biopic Project For Sony Pictures Entertainment". The Beatles. February 20, 2024. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  4. ^ Gajewski, Ryan (February 28, 2024). "Behind Sony's Four-Movie Beatles Bet". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  5. ^ Sneider, Jeff (June 5, 2024). "HOT RUMOR: Has Sam Mendes Found the Stars of His Four Movies About The Beatles". The InSneider. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Ruimy, Jordan (June 11, 2024). "Roger Deakins Eyed to Lens All 4 Sam Mendes 'Beatles' Movies". World of Reel. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  7. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (February 20, 2024). "Sam Mendes to Direct Four Separate Beatles Movies on Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr". Variety. Retrieved 20 February 2024.