Beatles biopic cast spotted recreating iconic Abbey Road album cover
Actors filming Sam Mendes' four-part Beatles biopic were spotted recreating the legendary album cover outside the recording studio in London.
Production on Sam Mendes' ambitious cinematic project shifted into high gear as the four main cast members were spotted on location recreating one of the most famous images in music history. Actors Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn appeared at the pedestrian crossing outside the recording studio in London dressed identically to the band on the front of the 1969 record. The footage offers a glimpse at The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, Mendes’ four-part Beatles biopic where each movie will tell the story of the legendary band from the perspective of one of its members.
Fan-shot footage shared on social media captured a crew member counting out loud to keep the four performers in time as they walked across the tarmac. The scene brings to life the legendary album cover showing John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison striding across the street outside the studio where the album was recorded. Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman revealed that principal photography would span a year, while Mendes previously described the project as the “first binge-able theatrical experience” during CinemaCon 2025. The official logline for the project reads, “Each man has his own story, but together they are legendary.”
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The production disruption even caught local residents by surprise. Broadcasting personality Vanessa Feltz detailed her shock after finding her road blocked off by the film crew while expecting family for Sunday dinner, initially suspecting roadworks before discovering the blockbuster was shooting right outside her home. She shared her experience in a video posted to Instagram, expressing her excitement despite the travel difficulties.
The films represent a landmark agreement. Sony Pictures noted that this project marks the first time The Beatles and their estates have granted approval for the band’s life rights and music to be used in a theatrical feature film. Surviving members McCartney and Starr have both given their approval to the new film series. Mescal met McCartney as part of his preparations to play the musician, while drummer Starr has stopped by the set and spent time with Barry Keoghan.
Preparation for the roles has involved intense study. Keoghan revealed last year: “When I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him. I was nervous, like right now. But he’s like, ‘You can look at me’. My job is to observe and kinda take in mannerisms and study him. I want to humanize him and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.” Meanwhile, Paul Mescal previously revealed that he had begun taking music lessons in order to play Paul McCartney.
Not everyone connected to the history has felt included, however. Real-life- Boyd hit out at not being kept abreast of the production, telling a podcast: “I would have thought it would be polite to mention it to me or let me know that they got someone who’s going to be playing me.
Cast and Production Details
- John Lennon: Played by Harris Dickinson
- Paul McCartney: Played by Paul Mescal
- George Harrison: Played by Joseph Quinn
- Ringo Starr: Played by Barry Keoghan
- Linda McCartney: Played by Saoirse Ronan
- Yoko Ono: Played by Anna Sawai
- Pattie Boyd: Played by Aimee Lou Wood
- Maureen Starkey Tigrett: Played by Mia McKenna-Bruce
- Brian Epstein: Played by James Norton
The wider ensemble cast also features Harry Lloyd, David Morrissey, Leanne Best, Bobby Schofield, Daniel Hoffmann-Gill, Arthur Darvill, and Adam Pally.
Sony Pictures has scheduled all four Beatles movies for release in April 2028. It remains unclear whether the four Beatles films will debut simultaneously or arrive weekly throughout April 2028.
