Mendes Is Thrilled
In a statement released about the films, Mendes gushed about his opportunity to tell the band’s story. “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.” (via Sony Pictures)
Source: Frankie Fouganthin.Wikimedia
Mendes plans to direct all four of the films, making it the first time that the families of the band members and other rights holders have granted the full life story and music rights for the Beatles in a film. (via Deadline)
Mendes’ Previous Work
Sam Mendes is an Oscar-award-winning filmmaker recognizable for his recent work on the James Bond film series. His directorial debut film “American Beauty” in 1999 won a Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Picture.
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His work on “American Beauty” made him only the sixth director in the Academy’s history to win an award for a feature film debut. Mendes also won an award for Best Director.
Sony Pictures Entertainment Tapped
The films will be produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in collaboration with Sam Mendes and Neal Street Productions. In a press release about the event, SPE announced its intent to distribute the films worldwide.
Source: Wikimedia
“SPE will finance and distribute worldwide with full theatrical windows in 2027. The dating cadence of the films, the details of which will be shared closer to release, will be innovative and groundbreaking,” the statement said. (via Sony Pictures)
Ringo Starr’s Reaction
Ringo Starr, one of the still-living band members, announced his excitement over the movie project announcement on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He and Paul McCartney are still surviving members, while John Lennon was murdered in 1980, and George Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001.
Source: @ringostarmuisc/X
“Have you heard the news? Oh boy. We all support the Sam Mendes movie project. Yes, indeed. peace and love,” he wrote. (via X)
Comments to Deadline
In an interview with Deadline, Sam Mendes talked about the motivation and planning that led up to the movie project announcement.
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“We went out to L.A. just before Christmas to pitch the project, and it’s fair to say we were met with universal enthusiasm,” Mendes said. “The reason Sony stood out from competing offers was down to Tom and Elizabeth’s passion for the idea and commitment to propelling these films theatrically in an innovative and exciting way.” (via Deadline)
Mendes Producing Alongside Others
A statement by Sony Pictures Entertainment listed several producers on this new movie project that will be working together to bring it to life.
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“Mendes will direct all four films and produce alongside his Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris and Neal Street’s Julie Pastor. Jeff Jones will executive produce for Apple Corps Ltd.,” the statement said. (via Sony Pictures)
Harris’ Comments
Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris testified to Mendes’ creative abilities and her faith in the project.
Source: EMI/Wikimedia
“This project springs from an idea of Sam’s which he had over a year ago,” said Harris. “And it’s a testament to his creative brilliance and powers of persuasion that Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sean Lennon and Olivia Harrison responded with such warmth and enthusiasm as soon as he spoke with them.” (via Deadline)
A Passionate Project
Harris would go on to outline the advantage of having the story told from four different perspectives.
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“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 Harris. (via Sony Pictures)
An Immense Privilege
Pippa Harris thanked her fellow producers in comments published in the SPE press release.
Source: Back ache/Wikimedia
“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.” (via Sony Pictures)
Impact of the Beatles
The Beatles are often considered one of the most influential bands of the 20th century. Their breakout success in the 1960s united the world through their music. The Beatles’ music became the soundtrack for social change, protests, and the political movements that defined the decade.
Source: Niamfrifruli/Wikimedia
Although already invented earlier, the use of multitrack recording became popular thanks to its use in the band’s albums. (via National Museums Liverpool)
2027 Can’t Come Too Soon
While this announcement is exciting to fans, they may also be disappointed in the long wait to finally see the finished product. And while the SPE statement projects a 2027 theatrical release date, the specific release of the films has yet to be determined.
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“The dating cadence of the films, the details of which will be shared closer to release, will be innovative and groundbreaking,” the release said. (via Sony Pictures)