Fans swear Beatles biopic casting of Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan is 'April fools joke'

The all-star cast of the brand newbiopic, set for release in 2028, has been announced and fans are convinced that it is an joke. Users flocked to social media to share their shock over the line-up, which includes some of the biggest names in British and Irish talent.

On stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the 1917 and Skyfall director revealed that set to star in the films are as , Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and as Ringo Starr - four of the hottest figures in the industry right now. Each of the actors, who all joined Mendes on stage - will star in their own movie focused solely around their character but of course, are expected to feature in each other's films as all four of the movies will intersect.

Last year it was announced that director was going to be telling the story of the legendary 60s boyband in not just one but four separate feature length films each of which will be told from the perspective of one of the Fab Four. The films are all set to be released on the same day in three years time and will mark the first time in history that Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles have granted the rights to their life stories to be told in a feature length film, as well as the use of their iconic catalogue of hit music.

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But hoards of fans have taken to the internet to share their disbelief at the announcement after its suspicious timing on April Fool's Day. One thread on captured the initial confusion of people who thought that the announcement was simply a joke. One user said: "Exactly, people so easily forget what date it is. No way is this legit," while another from across the pond joked: "Y’all, it’s April 1st already in the UK right? This has to be a joke… please say this is a joke."

Many were convinced that the announcement was part of an elaborate prank, even willing for it to be revealed as being fake. Commenters shared their disbelief and apparent dismay with posts like: "Gotta be April fools," and "Y’all it’s April fools right?….RIGHT?".

Eventually, commentators realised that the four-film epic is a real production, along with the cast. And lets just say, it promoted a mix of emotions.

Many are convinced that the group of actors simply don't bear a good enough resemblance to the real Beatles to be able to convincingly play them. One critic said: "All great actors but they look nothing like the Beatles that they are supposed to be playing lol... it's like the casting director just pulled four random British/Irish actors of a certain age group and decided this will do."

Another agreed, pointing out: "Bro, literally none of them look like who they're supposed to be playing," whilst another criticised the choice of directors to cast four already successful and well known actors in the roles: "Kindly asking Hollywood to not cast the same 15 people in literally everything. Thank you". A third agreed: "I wish they at least hired unknown actors, giving them a fair shot. I miss seeing new faces and being introduced to new talent."

Some were dumbstruck by the sheer number of films in the works, questioning the reasoning behind the decision to make four films as oppose to one all encompassing one. One Redditer said: "Honestly just the idea of four biopics is annoying enough but all of them released at once like some sort of Marvel event? A nightmare." "Could this not have been a made for tv mini series?" another asked, continuing: "Four feature length films is crazy, and I can't wait to find out what kind of budget the Hollywood accountants have cooked up this time." One user simply declared: "We don’t need four Beatles films, we don’t really even need one."

However, many reactions were much more positive with some going against the grain and expressing their excitement for the films. For example, one user said: "This may be an unpopular opinion on this thread but am I the only one who is excited to see what they do with it?? Sam Mendes is an incredible director and all four men are all incredible actors let them cook! (All Oscar/Emmy nominated or adjacent)." Another had the same idea, saying: "This cast makes so much sense to me."

One person even suggested that it the use of four actors so incredibly prominent in current pop culture might be an opportunity to "introduce The Beatles to a whole new generation". They weren't the only one to express a hint of enthusiasm for what promises to be a major movie event. "As a huge Beatles fan, I am both terrified and somewhat excited..." one declared.

It's clear the casting - and the chosen day for its announcement - has cooked up a stir but its likely that despite the backlash, plenty of us will be flocking to the cinema to watch these four British and Irish heartthrobs in their respective films when they are released in 2028.