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Paul Mescal has begun filming his role as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes‘ groundbreaking Beatles biopic in Liverpool. Production is now underway on the first major four-film cinematic event about the Fab Four. Discover what’s happening on set and why this marks a historic milestone for the legendary band.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Lead Actor: Paul Mescal, 30, portraying Paul McCartney in the first of four films releasing April 2028
- Production Status: Filming began in early 2026 at multiple locations in Liverpool and London across Bovingdon Airfield Studios
- Star-Studded Cast: Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
- Historic Authorization: First time Beatles members and families granted full rights for a scripted film project
First-Time Authorization Marks Beatles Cinematic Revolution
This project represents a watershed moment for the band’s legacy. Apple Corps Ltd, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have officially authorized this four-film series. The deal granted Sam Mendes unprecedented access to the band’s stories and music. Previous Beatles documentaries and historical dramas never achieved this level of comprehensive family approval.
Director Sam Mendes, known for his Oscar-winning filmmaking, is bringing cinematic ambition to each Beatle’s individual narrative. Each of the four interconnected films will focus on one band member’s perspective and journey. This structure allows deeper exploration of their personal struggles, creative evolution, and relationships than traditional ensemble biographies allow.
Paul Mescal begins Beatles biopic in Liverpool as filming kicks off
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Liverpool’s 1960s Transformation for Filming
In early March, Paul Mescal was spotted riding a bike with a guitar across Liverpool streets transformed into period-accurate 1950s and 60s settings. The production brought classic cars, retro buses, and vintage film posters to multiple locations. Local resident Ron Walker, who has lived on Forthlin Road for 34 years, described the scale as unprecedented. He noted that the two-day shoot felt like Hollywood-level production arriving in the city.
Mescal filmed at Sir Paul McCartney’s childhood home at Forthlin Road and John Lennon’s residence on Menlove Avenue, two iconic locations deeply connected to the band’s early years. Barry Keoghan, who plays Ringo, was spotted visiting vintage locations in south Liverpool. The attention to historical detail includes period-accurate vehicles, clothing, and set dressing to authentically recreate the band’s formative era.
Cast Brings Major Stars to Four-Film Project
The ensemble cast represents some of today’s most acclaimed actors. Paul Mescal, 30, fresh from award-winning roles in Gladiator II and Hamnet, anchors the production as Paul McCartney. Barry Keoghan, known for Saltburn and Dunkirk, portrays Ringo Starr with depth and nuance. Harris Dickinson, who starred in Babygirl and recent prestige films, takes on John Lennon‘s complex personality. Joseph Quinn from Fantastic Four: First Steps rounds out the Fab Four as George Harrison.
Supporting roles include Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney and Morfydd Clark, the Lord of the Rings actress, playing Cynthia Lennon. The production assembled this A-list roster to capture the emotional depth and historical significance of the Beatles’ story. Filming locations span both Bovingdon Airfield Studios in London and multiple Liverpool neighborhoods where the band’s journey began.
“This has been a scale I’ve not seen before. When the wagons turned up ahead of filming I thought ‘wow, this has got serious Hollywood bucks backing it’.”
— Ron Walker, Forthlin Road resident
Paul Mescal’s Preparation and Commitment to the Role
Mescal has been thorough in his preparation for portraying Paul McCartney. According to Rolling Stone, the actor spent time with the real Paul McCartney himself, describing him as “an extraordinary man.” This rare access allowed Mescal to study McCartney’s mannerisms, musical sensibilities, and emotional core. The actor confirmed he will perform his own singing for the role, adding another layer of authenticity to the production.
In interviews earlier this year, Mescal discussed his intentional approach to managing his career around the massive Beatles project. He stated that after completing his awards campaign for recent films, he intends to step back from the spotlight until April 2028 when the Beatles films premiere. He explained, “People will get a break from me, and I’ll get a break from them.” This strategic career pause demonstrates his commitment to bringing complete focus to this groundbreaking project.
When Will Fans Finally See the Beatles Biopic?
All four Beatles films will release simultaneously in April 2028, delivering an unprecedented cinematic event for music lovers worldwide. The staggered release approach gives audiences the choice to watch them individually or in sequence, exploring each Beatle’s unique story. This simultaneous release strategy builds enormous anticipation and allows viewers to experience the interconnected narratives their own way.
The production represents years of careful planning and negotiation with family estates and surviving band members. Sam Mendes‘ vision extends beyond typical biopic conventions, with each film functioning as both a standalone story and part of a larger creative tapestry. Industry insiders expect April 2028 to become a landmark moment in music cinema. Filming continues across London and Liverpool, with the production maintaining strict secrecy about specific plot details and dramatic scenes.
Sources
- BBC News – Reporting on Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan spotted filming in Liverpool with 1960s production design
- Rolling Stone – Paul Mescal’s interview about hanging out with Paul McCartney to prepare for the Beatles biopic
- The Location Guide – Bovingdon Airfield Studios and production details for Sam Mendes’ Beatles films
