British actor Harris Dickinson has been cast in the role of John Lennon for an ambitious four-part biopic titled The Beatles – Four Films, directed by Sam Mendes. Known for his acclaimed films such as American Beauty, Skyfall, and 1917, Mendes made the announcement at CinemaCon 2025, introducing the cast for all four members of the legendary band. Alongside Dickinson’s Lennon, Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan will take on the role of Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn will embody George Harrison. These biographical films are slated for release in April 2028, marking a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history.
This project is particularly notable for being the first to showcase the lives of each Beatle in separate films, all intended for simultaneous release. Mendes described the undertaking as the “first binge-able theatrical experience,”aiming to attract audiences back to theaters for this unique cinematic event and reigniting excitement for communal movie-watching experiences.
Harris Dickinson’s Career & Notable Roles
Notable Works: The Iron Claw, Babygirl, & Triangle of Sadness
At just 28, Dickinson has quickly established himself as a rising talent in the film industry, having been born and raised in London. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Frankie in the 2017 coming-of-age drama Beach Rats, directed by Eliza Hittman, whose work received critical acclaim and won the Directing Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
His role in Beach Rats earned him nominations for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor. This recognition opened doors to numerous opportunities, including a starring role alongside Hilary Swank and the late Donald Sutherland in FX’s Trust, followed by his portrayal of Prince Philip in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
|
Notable Film/TV Show |
Character |
|---|---|
|
Beach Rats |
Frankie |
|
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil |
Prince Philip |
|
The King’s Man |
Conrad Oxford |
|
See How They Run |
Richard Attenborough |
|
Triangle Of Sadness |
Carl |
|
Where the Crawdads Sing |
Chase Andrews |
|
The Iron Claw |
David Von Erich |
|
A Murder at the End of the World |
Bill |
|
Babygirl |
Samuel |
|
Blitz |
Jack |
Following his performance in The King’s Man alongside Ralph Fiennes, Dickinson continues to impress with roles in Triangle of Sadness, a film that received three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. His 2022 lineup also featured Where the Crawdads Sing, See How They Run, and the horror film Don’t Look at the Demon.
In 2023, he starred in The Iron Claw, which showcased his range and garnered significant praise, making it one of his standout performances. Additionally, his role in the workplace thriller Babygirl, featuring Nicole Kidman, has brought him further attention, while he also contributed to Hulu’s A Murder at the End of the World and the Apple film Blitz with Saoirse Ronan.
Why Harris Dickinson Is a Major Rising Star
A Future Hollywood Icon
Though Dickinson may currently be less recognized than his peers in The Beatles – Four Films, including acclaimed actors like Mescal, Keoghan, and Quinn, his trajectory suggests he is set to become one of the most significant talents of the 2020s. There are even rumors that he might be considered for the next James Bond, reinforcing his rising star status.
The casting of Dickinson as Lennon is a strategic move, especially given the recent buzz surrounding his performance in Babygirl. Not only is Dickinson a talented actor, but he also possesses a creative background as a director. His long-standing relationship with singer Rose Gray has seen him direct several of her music videos, such as “Blue”and “Afraid of Nothing.”This year, he is also making his directorial feature debut with Urchin, a narrative centered on a drifter struggling to find his place in society.
How Harris Dickinson Compares to John Lennon: Singing Ability
Musical Skills
Hailing from the Highams Park district of London, Dickinson shares British roots with John Lennon, who was born in Liverpool. At 6’2″, he is taller than Lennon, who stood at 5’9″. Despite this height difference, Dickinson’s lean and narrow facial features mirror those of Lennon’s, which may aid in his portrayal.
On the musical front, Dickinson has demonstrated his singing abilities during a scene in Hulu’s A Murder at the End of the World. In a 2024 interview with W Magazine, he acknowledged his past involvement in musicals but modestly claimed he is “not a singer.”However, given his latest role as John Lennon, he may need to harness his vocal talents more actively.