Sam Mendes is teaming up with Sony and Apple Corps to direct four biopics on The Beatles, with each film focussing on a different member of the legendary band.
The project marks the first time The Beatles and Apple Corps have granted permission for the full life story of their members and music rights to be used within a scripted film. The deal has been signed off by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr as well as by the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison.
Each film will tell the story of the Fab Four from the perspective of a different member. The four movies are set to all be released in 2027 and Sony promise to deliver an “innovative release cadence” regarding the order of their arrival.
Mendes, who is set to direct, will also produce the movies alongside Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris and Neal Street’s Julie Pastor. Additionally, Jeff Jones will executive produce for Apple Corps Ltd.
In a statement, Mendes said: “I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
Meanwhile, Harris, added: “We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling, and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time.”
“To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege. From our first meeting with Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler, it was clear that they shared both our passion and ambition for this project, and we can’t think of a more perfect home than Sony Pictures,” she continued.
Jones stated of the project: “Apple Corps is delighted to collaborate with Sam, Pippa and Julie to explore each Beatle’s unique story and to bring them together in a suitably captivating and innovative way. Sony Pictures’ enthusiastic support, championing the project’s scope and creative vision from the start, has been invaluable for all of us.”
Finally, Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, remarked of the upcoming set of biopics: “I know I speak for our CEO Tony Vinciquerra, who was instrumental in making this happen, and every Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group colleague around the world when I say: ‘yeah, yeah, yeah!’”.
“Theatrical movie events today must be culturally seismic. Sam’s daring, large-scale idea is that and then some. Pairing his premiere filmmaking team, with the music and the stories of four young men who changed the world, will rock audiences all over the globe. We are deeply grateful to all parties and look forward ourselves to breaking some rules with Sam’s uniquely artistic vision,” he added.
As of yet, the casting of The Beatles in the upcoming biopics hasn’t been disclosed, but is expected in due course.