Beatles Biopic Casting Sparks Fan Outrage Ahead of 2028 Release

The casting announcement for Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopic has sparked significant backlash among fans, who expressed skepticism over the resemblance of the chosen actors to the iconic band members. Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan is set to take on Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn will depict George Harrison in a four-film series entitled 'The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event,' scheduled for release in April 2028. Critics on social media have labeled the casting as 'horribly miscast' and suggested that unknown actors might have been a better choice for authenticity. Mendes defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of acting talent over physical resemblance and describing the films as an opportunity for deeper understanding of the band. Despite the criticism, some fans remain excited about the project and the potential for the performances to transcend the casting concerns. The announcement was made during CinemaCon 2025, where Mendes highlighted his long-standing desire to create a Beatles film.