Saoirse Ronan is stepping into an iconic role that’s bound to spark a lot of excitement and debate among Beatles fans and film enthusiasts alike. She has officially been cast to portray Linda McCartney, the legendary first wife of Paul McCartney, in the ambitious cinematic project titled "The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event," directed by Sam Mendes. This news comes from multiple reliable sources, confirming Ronan’s involvement in what promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of The Beatles' stories.
Sony representatives have chosen not to comment on the casting yet, but Ronan joins an already stellar cast that features Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn portraying George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Each of these Mendes-directed films will focus on the life of a different band member, and Ronan’s portrayal of Linda is expected to be a significant part of the Paul McCartney installment. However, the extent of her role across the other films remains to be seen.
Linda McCartney was much more than Paul’s wife—she was a talented photographer, musician, and a passionate activist for animal rights. She became renowned in the 1960s for her striking photographs of iconic musicians, including The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors. Notably, she was the first female photographer to have her work grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. After marrying Paul in 1969, she joined him in the band Wings during his post-Beatles career. Beyond music, Linda was a dedicated advocate for vegetarianism and animal welfare, founding Linda McCartney Foods in 1991. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 1998.
This ambitious film series from Mendes, set to debut in theaters in April 2028, is a bold new way of dramatizing the history of The Beatles, told through four separate but interconnected movies. The scripts have been penned by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne, though it hasn’t been disclosed who is responsible for which installment. The visually and narratively rich project is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Mendes’ Neal Street Productions, with Mendes, Pippa Harris, Julie Pastor, and Alexandra Derbyshire producing alongside Apple Corps, who are deeply involved in the project.
A truly unique aspect of this series is that it marks the first occasion on which The Beatles and Apple Corps Ltd. have authorized the use of the band members’ actual life stories and music in scripted filmmaking, making it a historic event for fans and historians alike. Sony Pictures is not only distributing but also financing the entire project.
Saoirse Ronan, an Irish actress celebrated for her roles in critically acclaimed films like Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women, recently appeared in Nora Fingscheidt’s "The Outrun" and Steve McQueen’s "Blitz." Looking ahead, she’s set to star in "Bad Apples," a dark comedy directed by Jonatan Etzler, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. Ronan is also slated to appear alongside Austin Butler in "Deep Cuts," a music-infused romantic drama adapted from Holly Brickley’s debut novel, directed by Sean Durkin of "The Iron Claw" fame.
Represented by CAA, Ronan continues to secure roles that demonstrate her versatility and depth as an actress.
But here’s where it gets controversial: how will portraying such a personal figure as Linda McCartney affect public perceptions of her legacy, especially considering the complex dynamics within The Beatles’ history? Will Ronan’s performance challenge or reinforce popular narratives? This is the kind of casting choice that invites spirited discussion—so what are your thoughts? Do you agree with this portrayal or see potential pitfalls? Drop your opinions below and let’s get the conversation started!
