Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-film project chronicling the lives of The Beatles continues to expand its impressive cast, adding a quartet of notable actors to the already stellar ensemble. , Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions announced that Farhan Akhtar, Lucy Boynton, Morfydd Clark, and Harry Lawtey have joined the production, currently shooting in the UK.
Akhtar, a prominent figure in Bollywood known for films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, will portray Ravi Shankar, the celebrated Indian sitar maestro who profoundly influenced George Harrison. The casting is particularly significant, as Shankar’s introduction of Indian classical music to Harrison – and subsequently to the wider Western world – is widely considered a pivotal moment in both musical and cultural history. The films will explore this relationship, offering insight into the cross-cultural exchange that shaped The Beatles’ sound and worldview.
Lucy Boynton, who garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Mary Austin in Bohemian Rhapsody, will take on the role of Jane Asher, Paul McCartney’s fiancée during the height of Beatlemania. Their relationship, which spanned several years, ended famously when Asher discovered McCartney’s growing connection with Linda Eastman. Boynton’s casting suggests the films will delve into the personal lives and romantic entanglements of the band members, offering a more intimate portrait beyond the music.
Morfydd Clark, currently captivating audiences as Galadriel in Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, will portray Cynthia Lennon, John Lennon’s first wife. The role is particularly poignant, as it will explore the complexities of their marriage, from its early days at Liverpool College of Art to its eventual dissolution amidst the pressures of fame and Lennon’s affair with Yoko Ono. Clark’s casting is notable given her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability, qualities essential to portraying a woman navigating the extraordinary circumstances of being married to John Lennon.
Rounding out the new additions is Harry Lawtey, known for his roles in Industry and as Richard Burton, who will play Stuart Sutcliffe, the band’s original bassist. Sutcliffe left the group in to pursue painting, tragically passing away just a few years later. His inclusion in the films, despite his relatively short time with the band, underscores Mendes’ intention to present a comprehensive and nuanced account of The Beatles’ origins and formative years.
These new cast members join Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The ensemble represents a compelling mix of established talent and rising stars, suggesting a commitment to both authenticity and artistic vision.
The project, unprecedented in its scope, marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd. And The Beatles themselves – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. Mendes conceived the project as four separate theatrical features, each told from the perspective of a different band member, intersecting to create a holistic narrative of their journey. He is directing all four films and producing alongside Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor of Neal Street Productions, with Alexandra Derbyshire also producing.
Behind the camera, the films boast an equally impressive team, including Academy Award-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser (Dune), Academy Award-winning editor Lee Smith (Dunkirk), and production designers Stefania Cella, Mark Tildesley, and Neal Callow. This level of creative expertise signals a serious commitment to delivering a cinematic experience worthy of The Beatles’ legacy.
The four-film event is expected to hit theaters in , offering audiences a deep dive into the lives, music, and cultural impact of the most influential band in history. The films promise to be more than just a biographical retelling; they aim to be a complex and multifaceted exploration of creativity, friendship, fame, and the enduring power of music.
