Don’t Let Me Down: The Potential Pitfalls of the Beatles Biopics
The recently announced cast for biopics on The Beatles has generated excitement, with each film focusing on a different member of the legendary band. Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan will portray Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, respectively.
While the project has immense potential, there are plenty of ways these films could miss the mark. From casting issues to historical inaccuracies, here’s a look at what could go wrong.
‘Act Naturally’: Casting and performance missteps could doom Beatles biopics
Casting can make or break a biopic, especially when portraying cultural icons as beloved as The Beatles. If the actors fail to capture the essence of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison or Ringo Starr, audiences may struggle to connect with the films.
The announced cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. While these actors have earned critical acclaim in past roles, portraying members of The Beatles presents a unique challenge. Mescal and Quinn, for instance, will need to convincingly embody McCartney’s charm and Harrison’s quiet intensity, respectively. Dickinson’s ability to capture Lennon’s sharp wit and rebellious edge will be key, while Keoghan must avoid turning Ringo into a caricature rather than the affable and underrated musician he was.
Additionally, reducing each member to a one-dimensional stereotype—such as John as just the rebellious genius or Ringo as mere comic relief—would do a disservice to their rich and complex personalities. A nuanced approach is necessary to ensure the portrayals feel authentic rather than like exaggerated impressions.
Poorly executed Liverpool accents could also be a major distraction, pulling viewers out of the story. Mescal comes from Ireland’s County Kildare, while Keoghan’s roots are in Dublin. Dickinson and Quinn both grew up near London. A quality dialect coach will be necessary to help the four actors have a convincing Liverpool sound.
‘A Day in the Life’: Historical inaccuracies and overdramatization
Fans of The Beatles are well-versed in the band’s history, and any significant inaccuracies in the films will likely be met with criticism. Straying too far from well-documented events or rewriting key moments for dramatic effect could alienate audiences.
Another potential issue is overdramatization. While conflict is a natural part of storytelling, focusing too heavily on fights, betrayals and breakups without balancing these moments with the camaraderie and joy of making music could create an overly negative portrayal. A well-rounded perspective that acknowledges both the highs and lows is crucial.
‘Can’t Buy Me Love’: Music and production pitfalls put Sam Mendes’ movies at risk
No Beatles biopic would be complete without their iconic music. Thankfully, all four Beatles and their estates have granted full life story and music rights for the films. The question then becomes how well the four actors can play and sing the world’s most recognizable songs.
Joseph Quinn proved his dedication to the guitar for his signature scene in Stranger Things. Paul Mescal plays piano and has shared video of himself singing. On the other hand, Barry Keoghan and Harris Dickinson don’t have the same musical experience. How well they take to training and lessons will go a long way in selling the Beatles biopics to audiences.
Rushed production could also be a major downfall. If these films are hastily put together to capitalize on The Beatles’ enduring popularity rather than crafted with care, they may end up feeling like generic rockstar dramas instead of meaningful tributes. Strong direction, well-researched scripts and high production values will be essential in making these films stand out.
Avoiding a ‘Yesterday’-style gimmick
One of the biggest pitfalls these biopics could face is falling into the same trap as Yesterday (2019)—a film that used The Beatles’ music as a storytelling device but failed to capture the essence of what made the band so special. If the biopics prioritize style over substance, they risk becoming gimmicky rather than meaningful.
A Beatles biopic should aim for authenticity rather than relying on nostalgia alone. If the films merely serve as a greatest-hits compilation without offering real insight into the band members’ personalities, struggles, and triumphs, they could end up feeling hollow. Avoiding flashy storytelling gimmicks in favor of a deeper, more human narrative will be crucial in ensuring these films truly honor the legacy of The Beatles.
With the right approach, these biopics have the potential to offer fresh and insightful perspectives on each Beatle’s journey. However, avoiding these common pitfalls will be key to ensuring they live up to the legacy of the world’s most famous band.
