The Beatles: Sam Mendes planning separate movies on each member of Fab Four
It marks the first time Apple Corps and the band members' families have authorised life stories and music rights for a scripted film.
Sam Mendes is set to direct four new movies for Sony, one about each member of The Beatles.
Mendes’ new movies about each of the Fab Four will mark the first time that official music and life story rights have been given by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, the families of George Harrison and John Lennon, and the band’s label Apple Corps, for a scripted film.
The films will see the life stories and routes to fame of each member explored from the members’ perspective, as well as documenting their high-profile post-Beatles careers and personal lives. They are set to be released in 2027.
Mendes said: “I’m honoured 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.”
“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,” said Apple Corps Ltd. CEO Jeff Jones, who will also Executive Produce the films. “Sony Pictures’ enthusiastic support, championing the project’s scope and creative vision from the start, has been invaluable for all of us.”
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, added: “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.”