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You know ’em, you love ’em — but do you really need to see them in theaters again?
On Feb. 20, 2024, Sony Pictures issued a press release announcing that director Sam Mendes is undertaking a multi-film project telling the stories of each member of The Beatles, the beloved and timeless English rock band of the ’60s. On Mar. 31, 2025, Mendes — alongside announcing the April 2028 slated release dates of the four films — revealed the casting for the biopics. The selections for the Fab Four? None other than Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr — because nothing says “zero-connection newcomers” better than actors who have starred in nearly every feature film over the past three years.
Take Mescal, star of “Aftersun” (2022) and “Gladiator II” (2024). While great for his own career, Mescal's additional roles in the upcoming World War I drama “The History of Sound” alongside Josh O’Connor and “Hamnet” by Chloé Zhao — releasing later this year — are going to make him inescapable for movie-goers. Despite his charm and talent, Mescal is no longer exciting — at least not in this project — where the premise centers on aspiring singers from Liverpool with humble beginnings. The same can be said for each of Mescal’s co-stars. Quinn — who already shares the screen with Mescal in “Gladiator II” — has been booked and busy with “A Quiet Place: Day One” (2024), the newly released “Warfare,” and the upcoming “Fantastic Four” Marvel reboot premiering this July. Keoghan and Dickinson have each had their share of the spotlight recently with “Saltburn” (2023) and “Babygirl” (2024), respectively.
If the film were cast purely on the basis of talent, then each of these actors may be deserving of their respective roles — but are they really? One of the main critiques that can be leveled at the casting directors is that there are plenty of fresh faces who may be just as talented as the same familiar ones securing every new role in the industry.
Lacking name recognition is not — and should not be — a crime, yet Hollywood treats emerging actors as though they’ve committed one. With roles seemingly being handed to “offer-only,” high-profile actors, who effectively bypass any auditions, it appears that casting directors are no longer interested in finding the perfect fit for their projects, opting instead for the recognizable name on the billing block. Rather than defaulting to Hollywood favorites, the industry would benefit from doing a little more soul-searching to find individuals who are able to embody these roles with, potentially, more nuance than a seasoned veteran.
When thinking about the origin story of The Beatles — four young men, no older than 21, with nothing but a passion for music and a couple of local gigs under their belts — it’s difficult to picture Mescal, Dickinson, Quinn, and Keoghan in their shoes. Without discrediting each actor’s dedication to reaching the place in their careers they currently occupy, casting actors who are already stars — and who have other projects lined up — uniquely undercuts the beginnings of the band and the naivete of the four when first starting out. Furthermore, the actors’ own brand may overshadow the authenticity of their portrayals, with audiences becoming more enamored with the actors than the actual singers and their story. With new actors, this dilemma could be avoided, and the opportunity for a breakout role would better match The Beatles’ own revolutionary rise.
Despite these sincere concerns, the casting department shouldn’t be crucified for its decision. It’s no surprise that the film industry is struggling, both financially and culturally, due to the influx of streaming services. Where casual and die-hard moviegoers alike once lined up at the local theater for their average $8 popcorn and $7 beverage — on top of their expensive ticket — cinephiles now opt to stay home, save money, and stream from the comfort of their couches — a decent deal, if you ask most anyone.
Still, there is an inexplicable magic that comes from sitting in front of a dazzling silver screen, as actress Nicole Kidman once said. There’s no doubt that bringing in famous actors draws in audiences and, consequently, drives box office revenue. While talented directors deserve to trust roles to whomever they choose, sometimes it’s worth putting the phone down and not speed-dialing the agent of whichever actor is fresh off a press tour. The Beatles had one of the most extraordinary rises to fame from humble beginnings. New actors in the film industry should be given that chance too.
—Staff writer Emily G. Fallas-Chacon can be reached at emily.fallas-chacon@thecrimson.com.
