Something in the way she moves, gets her cast in a project like no other. Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics have already been a hot topic in pop culture, as audiences were saddened to see the same four white boys play the ever-popular Fab Four rather than local unknowns. The Beatles’ better halves are now receiving their roles, and the internet was quick to cast judgement on these big names once again.
The Mendes project will consist of four individual biographical films, each from the perspective of a Beatle and all filmed at the same time. With all four families signing off on full life story and music rights, these films are the first features to get full approval, according to Variety. Set to star are Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney
Possibly the most positively received casting for the project, Saoirse Ronan will take on the role of Paul’s wife and artistic partner. Before encountering her Beatle counterpart, Linda was an American photojournalist working for Town and Country Magazine, covering the likes of other rockers like The Rolling Stones.
Once she partnered with Paul, they became half of the band “Wings.” While McCartney’s second band didn’t break as many records as the Beatles, they still produced seven studio albums and made one of the most iconic Bond film tunes, “Live and Let Die.” Before this band, Paul and Linda even recorded their own studio album together titled “Ram.”
Ronan has previously been paired with her counterpart Paul Mescal in a 2023 film called “Foe.” While Rotten Tomatoes praised the two, saying they “give it all they got,” the film was ultimately a flop with critics and fans alike. Ronan has proved her acting abilities in films like “Ladybird” and “Little Women,” and Mescal manages impressive performances in projects like “Aftersun,” so hopefully these two will make the most of a second shot at a real (on-screen) romance.
Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono
Oh, Yoko. Commonly painted as the catalyst for the Beatles breakup, Yoko Ono will hopefully get a more fair portrayal in the upcoming biopics as actress Anna Sawai accepts the role. Sawai is coming off of the recent success of winning the 2024 Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Shogun.”
Although Yoko is enough of a kooky character to play in-herself, the real challenge will be for Sawai and Harris Dickinson to capture this couple’s unique chemistry. Considering we’re getting the Yoko Ono casting before Cynthia Lennon, John’s first wife, it might mean that this biopic will focusing more on Lennon and Ono’s creative work together after The Beatles until Lennon’s assassination.
Sawai will not only have to be Lennon’s partner, but also a stand alone artist in every sense of the word. Ono pre-, during and post-Lennon has participated in all means of artistic expression including music, sculpture, filmmaking and more. Ono is currently 92 years old, and even though she’s retired from artistic endeavors, one must wonder how she feels about Sawai acting out this part of her life.
Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd
Pattie Boyd was already an icon of the 60s before becoming a Beatle’s bride. Like Twiggy, she was a famous model, and had the opportunity to be on set for the film “A Hard Days Night” where she met Harrison. According to a post from Letterboxd, Aimee Lou Wood of “White Lotus” fame will be playing George Harrison’s first wife.
Although Boyd and Harrison’s marriage lasted about as long as The Beatles’ career, one of the more interesting aspects for the film to explore could be how it ended. If you’re a classic rock fan, you probably know the song “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos, aka Eric Clapton’s band. The song was written by Clapton about his secret love for his buddy’s wife, Pattie Boyd. About two years after Harrison and Boyd split, she married Clapton.
Wood is no stranger to scandal in her roles. She could easily deliver exceptional looks and fulfill the more shocking parts of their love story. In fact, most people are more worried about Joseph Quinn as her counterpart due to his infamous role as Eddie Munson in “Stranger Things.”
Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey
While Maureen Starkey isn’t nearly as famous as our other three ladies, it’s still likely most Beatles fans have heard of her. During the iconic “rooftop performance,” or on the album “Let it Be,” after the band finishes the song “Get Back,” McCartney shouts “Thanks Mo!” The “Mo” he’s thanking is Ringo’s wife, Maureen.
Mia McKenna-Bruce is set to star parallel to Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. More well known among her U.K. home for the film “How to Have Sex,” which earned her a BAFTA Rising Star Award. Arguably, she’s the closest the main cast comes to an “unknown,” but those who have been paying attention to film news know she’s an up-and-comer with this film possibly tilting the scales towards fame and fortune.
While Starkey was never much in the spotlight during the 60s, this might be McKenna-Bruce’s opportunity to make a national name for herself.
Who would you have casted for these four biopics? Let us know on X @VALLEYmag!
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