At CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, director Sam Mendes unveiled the highly anticipated cast for his ambitious four-part Beatles biopic, set for release in 2028. While some fans embraced the star-studded lineup, others expressed disappointment over the lack of fresh faces in the project.

On Monday, the studio confirmed that Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Each film will focus on a different band member, offering a unique perspective on the legendary group’s story.

Fans React: A Missed Opportunity for Fresh Faces?

While many praised the casting choices, longtime Beatles fans took to social media to voice concerns over authenticity. Some argued that Hollywood should have cast lesser-known actors who better resemble the Fab Four.

“What’s the point of making a biopic if you don’t attempt to find actors that look like them? You don’t need the famous names for a Beatles film, so why not find better-fitting actors even if they are unknown?” one user wrote on X.

Speculation also arose that the casting reveal—announced on April 1—was an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank. However, multiple sources have since verified the lineup, dismissing the theory.

Another point of contention is the age of the actors, which some argue could affect the biopic’s historical accuracy.

“One of the biggest things about The Beatles’ essence and success was that they were just four young boys from Liverpool with a massive passion for music,” another user posted. “Casting four grown men in their late 20s/early 30s when they weren’t even 30 at the end of The Beatles ruins that magic.”

When the Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney and Harrison were 27, while Lennon and Starr were 29. By the time Mendes’ films debut, the actors will be in their early to mid-30s.

FILE – The Beatles address the media in the press room of Kennedy International Airport on their arrival, Feb. 7, 1964 in New York. The Beatles are getting the big-screen biopic treatment in not just one but a Fab Four of movies that will give each band member their own film, all of which are to be directed by Sam Mendes. (AP Photo, File)

The Hollywood Casting Controversy

Mendes’ film joins a growing trend of casting controversies in Hollywood, with fans increasingly calling for authentic representation over star power. Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey faced similar backlash for not casting Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek heritage.

Despite the controversy, Mendes has long expressed his passion for bringing The Beatles’ story to the big screen. The project has received full authorization from the band’s estates, a significant milestone that gives some fans confidence in its potential authenticity.

“Friendly reminder that this is the first time The Beatles and their estates have given full life story and music rights for a biopic, so as much as we may be upset about the casting, these will most likely (hopefully) be the most historically accurate Beatles biopics to date,” one fan posted.