Anna Sawai is embracing the challenge of portraying a figure often shrouded in misconception: Yoko Ono. The Emmy-winning actress, currently riding a wave of critical acclaim for her role in ’s Shōgun, is set to embody the artist and musician in a quartet of upcoming biopics chronicling the lives of The Beatles, directed by Sam Mendes.
Reframing a Narrative
Sawai spoke with People about the significance of taking on the role, expressing her excitement about the opportunity to present a more nuanced understanding of Ono. “It’s just exciting because her story is so inspirational to me, and people really don’t know the true person that she was,” she explained. “She’s an incredible artist. And also, she just was an independent woman and people didn’t like that. They wanted John for themselves and she was an easy target. And I think it’s very meaningful for me to be able to tell her story.”
The project arrives at a moment when re-evaluation of historical figures, particularly women in the public eye, is gaining momentum. Ono, often unfairly positioned as a disruptive force in the Beatles’ dynamic, is now being viewed through a more contemporary lens. Sawai’s casting suggests a deliberate effort to move beyond simplistic narratives and explore the complexities of Ono’s life and artistic contributions.
Sawai highlighted Ono’s boldness as a particularly compelling aspect of her character. “Just how bold she is. Oh my God, I love her. She’s so cool,” she shared. This admiration for Ono’s spirit appears to be a driving force behind Sawai’s commitment to the role, promising a portrayal that honors the artist’s strength and individuality.
A Career on the Rise
The role of Yoko Ono represents another significant step in a career trajectory that Sawai describes as a “dream.” Following her Emmy win for Shōgun and a Golden Globe in , the actress reflects on a period of professional fulfillment. “It feels like a dream, fulfilled by the stories that I’ve always wanted to tell,” she said. “When I think about the past few years, where I was still auditioning and taking on different roles, I’m now in the luxurious position of being able to choose my projects. This fills me with great happiness.”
Prior to landing the role of Ono, Sawai starred in The Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, further solidifying her presence in high-profile productions. Her ability to navigate diverse roles, from historical dramas to monsterverse adventures, demonstrates a versatility that has clearly caught the attention of filmmakers like Sam Mendes.
The Beatles Cinematic Event
Mendes’ ambitious project, slated for release in , will consist of four separate biopics, each focusing on a different member of the iconic band. Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon, with Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The films mark the first time Apple Corps Ltd. And The Beatles themselves – McCartney and Starr, along with the families of Lennon and Harrison – have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film, signaling a level of cooperation and access rarely seen in musical biopics.
Joining Sawai in portraying the women who shaped the lives of The Beatles are Mia McKenna-Bruce, Saoirse Ronan, and Aimee Lou Wood. The ensemble cast suggests a commitment to exploring the broader context of the band’s story, acknowledging the influence of the individuals who surrounded them.
The scale of the project is noteworthy. Four feature-length films dedicated to each Beatle represent a significant investment and a bold creative undertaking. Mendes, known for his work on films like American Beauty and Skyfall, brings a proven track record of directing critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects. His involvement lends considerable weight to the cinematic event.
The decision to grant full access to the Beatles’ story and music is particularly significant. For decades, the band has been notoriously protective of their image and intellectual property. This unprecedented level of cooperation suggests a desire to present a definitive and authentic portrayal of their lives and legacy. The films are poised to offer fans a deeper understanding of the individuals behind the music and the cultural forces that shaped their extraordinary journey.
Anna Sawai’s portrayal of Yoko Ono is likely to be one of the most closely watched aspects of the project. By embracing the opportunity to reframe Ono’s narrative, Sawai is not only taking on a challenging role but also contributing to a broader cultural conversation about representation, perception, and the enduring power of artistic expression.
