The unconventional casting reveals for Mendes’ Beatles project continue.
The saga of Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic series has added another bizarre chapter. Author and filmmaker Bret Easton Ellis unexpectedly confirmed that Joseph Quinn, best known for Stranger Things, will play George Harrison in Mendes’ upcoming Beatles films. The revelation came during a recent episode of Ellis’ podcast, where he discussed his own project, Relapse.
Quinn was initially set to star in Ellis’ directorial debut but had to bow out due to a new opportunity: “I think somewhere during that fall, we found out that our leading man Joseph Quinn… finally was offered this role—I think I can say it now because it was announced—playing George Harrison in the Sam Mendes Beatles project,” Ellis said.
A Whimsical Casting Rollout
The Mendes-led project, rumored to span four films, has generated an unusual stream of casting leaks. Gladiator II director Ridley Scott casually mentioned that his star Paul Mescal is “doing the Beatles next,” hinting at Mescal’s role as Paul McCartney. Ringo Starr himself revealed that Barry Keoghan is learning the drums, presumably to play him. Now, Ellis joins this unofficial lineup of accidental announcers.
While Mendes and Sony Pictures have yet to confirm the complete cast, the industry has pieced together most of the Fab Four. Back in October, The Sun reported on Quinn’s involvement, followed by Deadline in December, which noted Quinn was the frontrunner for Harrison. The outlet also speculated that Harris Dickinson is the likely pick for John Lennon, rounding out the iconic quartet.
Adding to the speculation, Deadline observed that Quinn had been spotted carrying a guitar while filming Fantastic Four, further fueling rumors. Meanwhile, fans on social media jokingly suggested Nicole Kidman should leak Dickinson’s casting to continue the trend of unexpected sources breaking the news.
Bret Easton Ellis: No Hard Feelings
Despite losing Quinn to Mendes’ Beatles project, Ellis harbors no resentment. The author acknowledged that delays in his own film, Relapse, which was first announced in February 2024, made Quinn’s decision understandable. Ellis is also busy adapting his novel The Shards into an HBO series. “Of course he should take that,” Ellis said. “Of course he shouldn’t wait around anymore for Relapse. All things must pass.”
With Mendes’ Beatles biopics on the horizon, the unconventional casting announcements have only heightened anticipation. Fans of the Fab Four and the actors involved are eager to see how this ambitious project takes shape.
This story was first reported by Bret Easton Ellis on his podcast, with additional details from Deadline and The Sun.