Beatles Breakthrough: Sony Announces Films for 2027
On February 20, Sony Pictures Entertainment unveiled a collaborative project. They aim to recount the narrative of The Beatles through four unique theatrical feature films.
The project marks a landmark moment as the first time Apple Corps Ltd., which consists of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the descendants of John Lennon and George Harrison, has granted complete authorization for a scripted film, providing access to their life stories and music rights.
4 separate biopic films are in the works about each member of The Beatles to all release in theaters in 2027.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 20, 2024
Sam Mendes will direct each film which will be interconnected stories, one from each band member’s POV.
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/Rhhzg4uCg6
Conceived by Sam Mendes, who will serve as director, the four theatrical feature films will each offer a unique perspective from the vantage point of each one of the band members. These narratives will illuminate the remarkable tale of what many consider the greatest band in history.
Sony Pictures Entertainment is set to finance and globally distribute the films, preserving full theatrical release windows in 2027. Scheduling rhythms of the four films will be revealed closer to their release dates.
Mendes will also serve as producer alongside Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor from Neal Street Productions. Jeff Jones will join as an executive producer representing Apple Corps Ltd.
i fear we aren’t ready for the tiktok communities to get hold of the beatles biopics
— sara (@host4theevening) February 20, 2024
“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,” stated Mendes.
Harris added, “To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege.”
Tom Rothman, Chairman & CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, expressed, “Theatrical movie events today must be culturally seismic. Sam’s daring, large-scale idea is that and then some. Pairing his premiere filmmaking team, with the music and the stories of four young men who changed the world, will rock audiences all over the globe. We are deeply grateful to all parties and look forward to breaking some rules with Sam’s uniquely artistic vision.”
No. The Beatles are so iconic that audiences don’t need famous actors to play them, so cast new undiscovered talent, preferably from Liverpool https://t.co/v8ORu5Lrgg
— Guy Lambert (@GuyLambertUK) February 21, 2024
In recent years, Mendes, the Academy Award-winning director renowned for American Beauty, has revitalized the James Bond franchise with Skyfall and skillfully depicted the harrowing journey of two British lance corporals during World War I in 1917.
Mendes has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for handling complex biographical narratives over extended durations, as evidenced by his work on The Lehman Trilogy, a compelling saga chronicling the ascent and demise of Lehman Brothers, which earned him a Tony Award.
me showing up to the red carpet premiere of the beatles movie pic.twitter.com/ZG6l6URwGt
— skylar (@L3NNONLEGEND) February 20, 2024
Biographical films about pop stars have surged in popularity in recent years. Bob Marley: One Love was estimated to have raked in an estimated $33.2 million last weekend, riding on the coattails of successful pictures like Elvis in 2022 and Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018.
Beatles enthusiasts consistently demonstrate their hunger for expansive projects. Peter Jackson’s documentary series, The Beatles: Get Back, spanning over seven hours, debuted to widespread acclaim in 2021 on Disney+.
With Apple Corps’ permission to Sony Pictures Entertainment, there is no doubt the upcoming films will excite fans. You can read more about the project here.
