Beatlemania Reborn: London Transforms into 1960s New York for Sam Mendes' Epic Beatles Film Series
Beatlemania returned with full force on Sunday, more than six decades after the legendary pop group first caused pandemonium during their groundbreaking initial visit to New York. This time, however, the backdrop was London, where director Sam Mendes filmed exterior scenes for his highly anticipated four-film Beatles anthology, scheduled for simultaneous release in 2028.
London Doubles as Midtown Manhattan
The English capital underwent a remarkable transformation, standing in for midtown Manhattan as onlookers were transported back to 1964. This pivotal year marked The Beatles' first visit to the United States, culminating in their career-defining debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Mendes and his production team meticulously recreated the band's arrival at New York's iconic Plaza Hotel, turning a central London street into a perfect replica of mid-1960s Fifth Avenue.
The scene was complete with hysterical fans, frantic photographers, police cordons, and numerous period flourishes, including vintage cars, motorcycles, and authentic clothing from the era. This vivid recreation captured the chaotic energy that surrounded The Beatles during their promotional trip with manager Brian Epstein.
The Principal Cast in Action
The project's principal cast was seen fully immersed in their roles, navigating through the simulated chaos. Paul Mescal portrays Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson embodies John Lennon, Joseph Quinn takes on George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan plays Ringo Starr. Dressed in matching grey suits, the four actors convincingly mirrored the initial bewilderment experienced by The Beatles upon their New York arrival.
Between takes, Mescal was observed with one sleeve torn from his blazer, idling after filming his latest scenes as McCartney. Meanwhile, Keoghan, as Starr, was seen filming the staged chaos with a vintage video camera, a subtle nod to Starr's well-documented love of gadgets that Mendes appears to have keenly observed.
Production Details and Historic Permissions
The Daily Mail has revealed that the Beatles biopics will be filmed at London's legendary Abbey Road Studios, with production having commenced in November last year. This development follows earlier reports that plans had been obstructed. Contrary to previous claims that Westminster Council would prohibit filming at the famous zebra crossing featured on the Beatles' 1969 album cover, the council has confirmed to The Daily Mail that production is proceeding.
Westminster Council is now working closely with production teams to facilitate filming, which will involve necessary road closures. Speaking at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas last April, Mendes described the films as the 'first binge-able theatrical experience'. This ambitious project marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time Apple Corps Ltd and The Beatles—Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison—have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
Supporting Cast and Character Portrayals
The films will also feature a talented supporting cast portraying key figures in The Beatles' lives. White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood will play Pattie Boyd, George Harrison's wife, while Irish Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan has been cast as Linda McCartney, Paul's muse and eventual bandmate in Wings.
Anna Sawai, known for her role in the US drama series Shogun, will appear as Yoko Ono, John Lennon's wife, and British actress Mia McKenna-Bruce will play Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr's wife. These casting choices highlight the project's commitment to exploring the personal lives and relationships that shaped the band's journey.
Cast Insights and Preparations
Ringo Starr previously hinted that Saltburn star Barry Keoghan had taken on the role of the legendary drummer, mentioning that Keoghan was 'somewhere taking drum lessons'. Keoghan himself admitted to being starstruck during his first meeting with Starr, recalling on Jimmy Kimmel Live that he was so nervous he struggled to make eye contact with the music icon.
Meanwhile, Sir Ridley Scott revealed that leading man Paul Mescal was joining the Beatles project while promoting his film Gladiator II, noting that the actor was 'actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next'. This indicates the significant commitment and preparation involved for the cast.
Project Overview and Anticipation
Entitled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, the project was officially announced last year. Each film will adopt the perspective of one band member, tracing their evolution from unknowns in Liverpool in the early 1960s to becoming the biggest band in the world, culminating in their breakup in 1970. This unprecedented access to life story and music rights promises an intimate and comprehensive portrayal of The Beatles' legacy.
As filming continues in London, the meticulous recreation of 1960s New York and the dedicated performances of the cast suggest that Mendes' anthology will offer a fresh and immersive look into the phenomenon of Beatlemania, captivating both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
