Get ready for a cinematic revolution! Saoirse Ronan is set to portray Linda McCartney in Sam Mendes’ ambitious ‘The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event,’ and this casting choice is already sparking excitement. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this marks the first time The Beatles and Apple Corps Ltd. have officially greenlit the use of the band members’ life stories and music in scripted films. Deadline has exclusively confirmed that the four-time Oscar nominee will step into the shoes of Linda, the iconic photographer, musician, and animal rights activist who became Paul McCartney’s first wife. And this is the part most people miss—Linda wasn’t just a muse; she was a trailblazer in her own right, becoming the first female photographer to grace the cover of Rolling Stone with her work. Her portraits of The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors cemented her place in music history long before she married Paul in 1969 and joined him in Wings. Her passion for animal welfare led her to found Linda McCartney Foods in 1991, a legacy that continues to inspire. But here’s the controversial question: Can Ronan truly capture the essence of a woman who was both a cultural icon and a private individual?
Ronan joins a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Each film in Mendes’ series will focus on a different band member, with Ronan expected to shine in the McCartney-centric installment. Yet, it remains unclear how much her character will appear in the other films. Directed by Mendes and written by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne, these films are a bold experiment in storytelling, set to hit theaters in April 2028. Sony Pictures, in collaboration with Neal Street Productions and Apple Corps, is financing and distributing the project, making it one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade.
Linda’s story is one of artistry, activism, and love. She wasn’t just Paul’s partner; she was a force in her own right, advocating for vegetarianism and animal rights until her passing from cancer in 1998. Her life intersects with some of the most pivotal moments in music history, and Ronan’s portrayal will undoubtedly bring her legacy to a new generation. But here’s another point to ponder: How will the films balance the band’s global fame with the intimate, personal stories of its members?
For Ronan, this role is a natural fit. The Irish actress, known for her roles in Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women, has a knack for embodying complex, nuanced characters. Fresh off her performances in The Outrun and Blitz, she’s set to star in Bad Apples, a dark comedy premiering at TIFF, and Deep Cuts, a music-themed love story opposite Austin Butler. Represented by CAA, Ronan’s career continues to soar, and her take on Linda McCartney promises to be a highlight. What do you think—is Ronan the perfect choice, or would you have cast someone else? Let’s debate in the comments!
