Anna Sawai may be stepping into one of her most high-profile roles yet. Following standout performances in Shōgun and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Sawai is reportedly in talks to portray Yoko Ono in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles biopic project.
According to Jeff Sneider of The InSneider, Sawai is being considered for the role of Ono in the upcoming series of interconnected films, each focusing on a different member of The Beatles. While her casting hasn’t been officially confirmed, her name has surfaced alongside several other actors rumored to be attached to key roles in the quadrilogy.
Ono, the Japanese artist, singer, and activist, was married to John Lennon from 1969 until his death in 1980. The couple had a son, Sean Lennon, in 1975. Now 91, Ono continues to honor Lennon’s legacy through her art and activism.
Rumored Cast Includes Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
While no official casting announcements have been made, several high-profile names are reportedly in contention. Harris Dickinson (The Iron Claw) is rumored to be playing John Lennon. Though he hasn’t confirmed the role, Dickinson recently addressed the speculation, telling The Hollywood Reporter,
“I think it would be a brilliant opportunity to play John Lennon, and to work with Sam and everyone else mentioned. Yeah, I don’t know. It would be splendid.”
Other rumored casting choices include Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan (Eternals) as Ringo Starr, and both Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Charlie Rowe (Red Band Society) reportedly in consideration for George Harrison.
Sam Mendes’ Beatles Biopics Set for 2027 Release
Announced in February 2024, Sam Mendes—best known for directing Skyfall and Spectre—is helming the ambitious project, with plans to release all four films in 2027. Each biopic will be interconnected, offering a multi-perspective narrative of The Beatles’ story. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are actively involved in the production, as are the families of George Harrison and John Lennon.
“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,” Mendes said in a statement when the films were announced.
Source: Jeff Sneider, The InSneider