The Beatles: John (2028)

Sam Mendes is set to direct "The Beatles: John," a biographical drama that serves as the first installment in a ambitious four-film cinematic event produced by Sony Pictures. The project, titled collectively as "The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event," was granted unprecedented access by Apple Corps and the families of the late band members, allowing for the use of complete life stories and music copyrights for the first time in a scripted film format. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of John Lennon, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, offering an intimate look at his life and role within the legendary group.

Co-written by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne, the film is part of a unique storytelling strategy where each of the four Beatles films presents an independent yet interwoven account of the band's history. Released alongside the other three installments focusing on Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in April 2028, the production aims to avoid comparative box office drama by potentially releasing all four films simultaneously or as a combined theatrical experience.

The cast features prominent actors including Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn, who play their respective bandmates across the series. Notably, Samira Wiley has been cast as Yoko Ono, John Lennon's second wife. The film aligns with Mendes' vision to present interconnected stories from each member's viewpoint, a concept enthusiastically supported by surviving band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as Sean Lennon and Olivia Harrison.

• Director Sam Mendes secured rare rights from Apple Corps and the Beatles' families to depict the full lives of the band members.
• The film is one of four simultaneous releases planned for April 2028, designed to be viewed without a specific chronological order.
• Harris Dickinson leads the cast as John Lennon, sharing screen space with peers playing his bandmates in the broader franchise.
• Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn reprise their roles as the other Beatles across the respective companion films.