Mia McKenna-Bruce, set to portray Maureen Starkey in the upcoming Beatles biopics, recently revealed she wasn’t initially a fan of the band. The actor, known for her role in How To Have Sex, accepted the part of Ringo Starr’s first wife before having a comprehensive knowledge of The Beatles’ music.
The Upcoming Biopics
The four-part cinematic event, directed by Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall, American Beauty), is slated for release in April 2028. Each film will focus on a different member of the iconic band: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, and Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney. Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan have been cast as George Harrison and Ringo Starr, respectively. The films also feature Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, and Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono.
Additional casting announcements include David Morrissey as McCartney’s father Jim, Leanne Best – the niece of the original Beatles drummer Pete Best – as Lennon’s Aunt Mimi, and James Norton as Beatles manager Brian Epstein.
A Change of Heart
McKenna-Bruce shared that her familiarity with The Beatles was limited to “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine,” songs she learned in school. However, her perspective shifted while on set with Martin Freeman for the Netflix series Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. Freeman prompted her to identify all four Beatles and the band Mick Jagger belonged to, revealing gaps in her musical knowledge.
“Now I’m like, oh my god, The Beatles are underrated. This is good. It’s music I’d sit and listen to on the train,” McKenna-Bruce stated.
Barry Keoghan, who will play Ringo Starr, previously discussed his own experience meeting the drummer in May, describing his initial nervousness and commitment to observing and understanding Starr’s mannerisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the Beatles biopics?
Sam Mendes, known for directing films such as 1917, Skyfall, and American Beauty, is directing the four separate films.
When are the Beatles biopics scheduled to be released?
The films are currently slated for an April 2028 release.
Who will play Linda McCartney in the films?
Four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan will portray Linda McCartney.
As production continues, it remains to be seen how these films will portray the complex history of The Beatles and their individual lives. The extensive cast and Mendes’ directorial vision suggest a detailed and potentially nuanced exploration of the band’s story.