Are These Our 4 Beatles Movie Stars? See the Rumored Biopic Cast Side-by-Side with the Real People They May Play

Mar. 15, 2025

(L): Paul Mescal attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif. ; (R): Paul McCartney of The Beatles attends a press conference at the Royal Garden Hotel on Feb. 5, 1968, in London.Photo:Mike Coppola/Getty ; David Redfern

Mike Coppola/Getty ; David Redfern

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da!The Beatlesare heading to the big screen.

In early 2024, it was confirmed that directorSam Mendesand Sony Pictures would helmfour separate biopicsof legendary rock band The Beatles, giving each of its members their own turn in the spotlight. Although few details have been announced and no release date has been confirmed, the four-part project is expected to premiere in 2027.

The cast has not been officially confirmed yet, but there have been rumors and hints suggesting thatPaul Mescalwill portrayPaul McCartney,Harris Dickinsonwill playJohn LennonandBarry Keoghanwill take on the role ofRingo Starr. Meanwhile,Joseph Quinnand Charlie Rowe have reportedly both been in talks forGeorge Harrison.

DirectorRidley Scottaccidentallyspilled the rumored news about Mescalduring a December 2024 conversation with directorChristopher Nolanafter aGladiator IIscreening. Nolan had asked Scott if Mescal would be starring in his next feature film,The Dog Stars,to which Scott replied that although that was once the plan, Mescal might be busy working on another project.

According toTheHollywood Reporter, Scott told Nolan, “Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

01of 04Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney(L): Paul Mescal attends the British Independent Film Awards 2022 at Old Billingsgate on Dec. 4, 2022 in London ; (R): The Beatles' bassist Paul McCartney poses for a portrait in 1963 in London.Tristan Fewings/Getty ; Bettmann/ GettyPaul Mescal is rumored to star as Paul McCartney, who split main vocal duties with John Lennon and played the piano, drums and guitar.McCartney has won 18 Grammy Awards throughout his career and was honored with alifetime achievement awardas a solo musician in 1990 and as a member of The Beatles in 2014.Mescal has yet to confirm if he has been cast in the role, however he toldEntertainment Tonightin December 2024 that “it would be an incredible story to be attached to.“He added, “It truly would be a dream come true.“The Oscar-nominated actor first made waves in the 2020 Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novelNormal People. Mescal went on to star in 2022’sAftersunand 2024’sGladiator II.

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Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney

(L): Paul Mescal attends the British Independent Film Awards 2022 at Old Billingsgate on Dec. 4, 2022 in London ; (R): The Beatles' bassist Paul McCartney poses for a portrait in 1963 in London.Tristan Fewings/Getty ; Bettmann/ Getty

Tristan Fewings/Getty ; Bettmann/ Getty

Paul Mescal is rumored to star as Paul McCartney, who split main vocal duties with John Lennon and played the piano, drums and guitar.

McCartney has won 18 Grammy Awards throughout his career and was honored with alifetime achievement awardas a solo musician in 1990 and as a member of The Beatles in 2014.

Mescal has yet to confirm if he has been cast in the role, however he toldEntertainment Tonightin December 2024 that “it would be an incredible story to be attached to.”

He added, “It truly would be a dream come true.”

The Oscar-nominated actor first made waves in the 2020 Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novelNormal People. Mescal went on to star in 2022’sAftersunand 2024’sGladiator II.

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Harris Dickinson as John Lennon

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic ; Cyrus Andrews/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Harris Dickinson is rumored to play Lennon, the late guitar player and co-songwriter of The Beatles.

Lennon died on Dec. 8, 1980, at age 40 after being shot outsideof his Manhattan apartment. Over a decade later, in 1994, McCartney inducted him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

Speaking of the casting rumor toVarietyin December 2024, Dickinson said, “It would be amazing to do that.”

“I think the idea of Sam teaming up to do something like that would be incredibly exciting,” he added. “Obviously, John Lennon is a very complex role, a pretty formidable force to try to do. It would be cool.”

When asked if he had officially signed on to the role, Dickinson remained tight-lipped and said, “We’ll see.”

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Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic ; Bettmann/ Getty

According to The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr himself, Barry Keoghan will portray him in the upcoming biopic.

Starr joined The Beatles in 1962 to replace drummerPete Best, and went on to have a solo career once the bandsplit in 1970.

Although the actor has yet to confirm the news himself,Entertainment Tonightasked Starr in December 2024 what he thought about the reports of Keoghan portraying him, to which the drummer said he thinks “it’s great.”

“I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons,” Starr said. “I hope not too many.”

The Oscar-nominated actor previously starred in 2022’sThe Banshees of Inisherinand 2023’sSaltburn.

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Charlie Rowe or Joseph Quinn as George Harrison

Charlie Rowe attends a screening of “GIGI & NATE” on Aug. 26, 2022 in Los Angeles ; George Harrison poses for a portrait on Jan. 30, 1987 in Cannes, France ; Joseph Quinn attends the 27th British Independent Film Awards on Dec. 08, 2024 in London.Phillip Faraone/Getty ; Hulton Archive/ Getty ; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Phillip Faraone/Getty ; Hulton Archive/ Getty ; Karwai Tang/WireImage

AfterVarietyinitially reported that Charlie Rowe was attached to the film as lead guitarist George Harrison,Deadlinelater stated that Joseph Quinn was rumored to helm the role.

If Quinn were to take the part, it would mark a reunion for him and Mescal, as they both appeared in 2024’sGladiator II. The actor is also known for his roles inStranger Thingsand 2024’sA Quiet Place: Day One.

Meanwhile, for Rowe, it wouldn’t be his first time appearing in a biopic of a music legend. He previously starred in 2019’sRocketman,portraying Ray Williams, the music producer and publisher who discovered music iconElton John.

source: people.com