What's happened
Sam Mendes is set to direct four separate biopics about The Beatles, each from the perspective of a different band member.
Why it matters
This event is significant as it marks the first time that The Beatles and their company Apple Corps have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. It also represents a major undertaking in the world of biographical filmmaking.
What the papers say
The Independent raises questions about the choice of director and potential overlap with Peter Jackson's Beatles documentary, while Business Insider UK provides details about the films and the band's involvement. The Times emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the project and the involvement of the surviving band members and estates. BBC News and AP News provide similar factual accounts of the announcement.
How we got here
The announcement of Sam Mendes directing four separate biopics about The Beatles comes after Mendes obtained permission from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison to make the films, which will be released in 2027.
More on these topics
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The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group, whose best-known line-up comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, are regarded as the most influential band of all time.
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Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE is an English singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and record and film producer who gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist and bassist for the Beatles.
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George Harrison MBE was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and music and film producer who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles.
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John Winston Ono Lennon MBE was an English singer, songwriter, actor and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles.
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Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Kōnan, Minato, Tokyo. The company owns the largest music entertainment business in the world, the largest video game console business and the second largest video game
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Sir Richard Starkey MBE, better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter and actor who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Beatles.