John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney arrive in Liverpool, England, on 10 July 1964, for the premiere of their movie A Hard Day's Night. Photograph: AP
No matter where you go around the world, mention “The Beatles” and you’re bound to get replies of recognition in varying degrees. Some will happily foam at the mouth about the quartet, while many others will only recognize them as singer and songwriter if you reveal that fact to them. No matter the case, their near-universal level of popularity has attracted many a filmmaker to immortalize them on celluloid. However, only one director has finally been given the official greenlight to create the definitive Beatle biopic by the remaining living members of the foursome and the estates of their dearly departed brethren; and to add to that, their stories will be told in a way never before seen in musical biopic history.
According to an article on the Empire Magazine website, director Sam Mendes together with Sony Pictures and the director’s own banner Neal Street Productions have been given full rights by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, as well as Apple Corps Ltd. to produce 4 separate biopics of the Fab Four to be released in succession in 2027. The report goes on to say that although the release dates have yet to be confirmed, the 4 films will have an “innovative and groundbreaking” release window as it relates to the “dating cadence of the films”.
Says Mendes of the project: “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.” Pippa Harris of Neal Street Productions 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.”
As huge fans of the The Beatles, we’re pretty stoked to hear that their stories will finally be brought to the big screen, with an intriguing release strategy to boot. How about you, our fellow Cinegeeks? What do you think of this fabulous news about the Fab Four? Let us know in the comments below!
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