Beatles biopic Sony Pictures

Photo Credit: Iberia Airlines / CC by 2.0

Sony Pictures preps four feature films about the Beatles — one from each band member’s perspective — for a global theatrical release in 2027.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), together with Sam Mendes and Neal Street Productions, have announced a new creative project to tell the story of the Beatles with four theatrical feature films — one for each band member. The endeavor marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. as well as remaining Beatles Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison, have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.

In a concept that was conceived by Mendes, who will direct the films, each movie will focus on another band member’s point of view. The four films will intersect to tell “the astonishing story of the greatest band in history.” SPE will finance and distribute the project worldwide, with full theatrical releases in 2027.

The details of the release dates of the films will be revealed closer to their actual release, and “will be innovative and groundbreaking.” Presumably, these will coincide with significant dates for the band and its members — perhaps birthdays, or notable release dates from the band’s body of work.

“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,” said Sam Mendes, who, in addition to directing the four films, will produce them alongside Neal Street Productions’ Pippa Harris and Julie Pastor. Jeff Jones will executive produce for Apple Corps Ltd.

“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,” said Pippa Harris. “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,” added Apple Corps Ltd. CEO Jeff Jones. “Sony Pictures’ enthusiastic support, championing the project’s scope and creative vision from the start, has been invaluable for all of us.”

“Theatrical movie events today must be culturally seismic,” concludes Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group. “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.”