The upcoming Beatles movies have certainly gotten fans talking – not least about how much the actors resemble the original Fab Four. Originally announced earlier this year, the ambitious project will see director Sam Mendes direct four separate films about each member of the band.
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event has been touted as "first binge-able theatrical experience", with all four movies being released in cinemas at the same time in April 2028.
"We need big cinematic events to get people out of the house," Mendes said at a presentation of the movie back in March, adding that the story of the band "was too huge to fit into a single movie", thus the decision to split it four ways.
Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan are set to respectively play Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, while it's just been reported that Saoirse Ronan will take on the role of Linda McCartney, Paul's first wife (via Deadline).
However, when the original casting of the main four was announced, some fans complained that the actors didn't hugely resemble the original Beatles, one suggesting they "look nothing alike".
With Ronan now in tow, we've ranked how much the five stars actually resemble the real-life figures they're portraying – though it's worth noting that this is based on how they look out of character, as no official stills have been released yet.
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5. Paul Mescal
While Mescal is a huge name at the moment, with roles in awards-buzzing movies Hamnet and The History of Sound this year alone, his casting as Macca may have left some scratching their heads, at least in terms of obvious resemblance.
While there is some familiarity in face shape, the blue eyes and lighter hair don't exactly scream McCartney. Still, we may do a 180 once he's donned a wig and potential contact lenses when the official first look comes out. Watch this space.
4. Saoirse Ronan
Photographer and activist Linda was an integral part of Paul's life, and was married to the bassist from the late 1960s until her death from cancer in 1998.
Ronan's casting in the role is no doubt an exciting one for fans, and while not an obvious doppelganger for the real Linda, there is some similarity between the two public figures that you can see in certain photos.
3. Barry Keoghan
One of the castings that made a bit more sense looks-wise, Saltburn's Keoghan will portray drummer Starr in the cinematic event.
Not a million miles away, side-by-sides with the real-life figure appear to stand out, with notable mirrors in eye and face shape.
2. Harris Dickinson
You can see why they went with Dickinson as Lennon, with echoes in the face – and we're sure once he's given a mop top and circular glasses he will really look the part.
Dickinson is also on a roll at the moment, having recently starred in Babygirl while his acclaimed directorial debut Urchin has just released in cinemas. No doubt his turn as Lennon will be another triumph.
1.Joseph Quinn
The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Quinn will take on the role of the quieter but no less effective George Harrison, and bears probably the most likeness looks-wise with his Beatle counterpart.
The eye and face shape are very similar, and you can imagine that he will look distinctively Harrison once he's in character as the late guitarist and songwriter. Take a look at pictures of his Stranger Things character Eddie Munson next to ones of long-haired Harrison for a case in point.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
