Nothing to ‘twist and shout about’: Audiences ‘come together’ to share misery over Beatles casting
By Conor BoyleFans have been sent into a helter-skelter of emotions as they’ve just seen the faces who will be playing the Beatles in a series of biopics focused on the British icons.
Sony Pictures have announced the actors who will be playing a day in the life of the rock legends in the upcoming films with the cast featuring four of the biggest names in the British and Irish acting scene today with Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickson (Babygirl) as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) as Ringo Starr. Rumours abound that Sony may cast Timothée Chalamet as the fifth Beatle to ensure they get a full bingo on generically attractive young white actors of today.
Despite the star-studded cast the public have had few words of love to spare for the casting choice with many claiming that the actors chosen are too attractive to fill these roles (kind of rude but still) with some saying that the casting choice was partially made based on actors’ Instagram follower count, perhaps trying to appeal to members of the lonely hearts club band. Some have also raised the issue that this casting appeals to younger audiences, while the film's subjects appeal to older ones, possibly resulting in a film that’s really for no one, though time will tell if they should have known better here.
Image by Minha Baek via Unsplash
Concerns have been raised about every little thing including if actors will be able to measure up to the bands musical talents, especially following Timothée Chalamet’s impressive turn at performing as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, luckily Sony has already tested the actors aptitude here and we’re happy to report that Barry Keoghan, just like Ringo Starr, cannot play the drums at all.
It seems online that some also can’t imagine Harris Dickson in the role of John Lennon however if anyone can be shot, I mean has a shot, of playing the role of Lennon Dickson seems ideal for the role, after all he already has experience playing characters that are abusive against their partners in films like Babygirl.
Mescal is also stated to undergo a drastic lifestyle change to fit the role of McCartney, aiming to lose muscle and gain weight after getting into shape for his role in Gladiator 2, however to achieve this he might have to stop running away from his dates quite as much, if online rumours are to be believed.
Pictured: The original members of The Beatles- Ringo, John, Paul, George. The casting for the upcoming Beatles Biopic: Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn,
Regardless of all the complaints, Mescal, Dickson, Quinn & Keoghan can all act naturally and can carry the weight of such prestigious roles and while many may be hoping it won't be long before we see them on the big screen,not slated for release until April 2028. When that time comes, we’ll see if audiences are willing to buy a ticket (to ride) for the four films and if the things we said today hold true.
Personally, Sony can spend as much on casting as they want, but they can’t buy me love. But until their release, opinions may be here, there and everywhere. I’m sure you can think for yourself, so feel free to tell me why you have your opinion on this casting, or you can just let it be.
