Can 'the internet's boyfriends' spark cinema Beatlemania?

The Beatles, one of the most iconic bands in music history, are set to make a grand return to the big screen. This exciting announcement was made during a star-studded event at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where four talented actors were introduced to portray the legendary members of the band. Harris Dickinson will take on the role of John Lennon, Paul Mescal will embody Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan will play Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn will step into the shoes of George Harrison. Dressed in stylish black outfits, these actors are being referred to as 'the internet's boyfriends,' a term that describes popular male figures who capture the hearts of social media users. The project, directed by the acclaimed Sir Sam Mendes, is set to be released in 2028, and it aims to reignite the excitement surrounding the Beatles for a new generation of fans. The original Beatlemania of the 1960s was characterized by teenage girls fainting and screaming at the sight of the band, and the filmmakers hope to replicate that fervor among today's Gen Z audience, who are often seen expressing their emotions through social media. Celebrity correspondent Lisa McLoughlin noted that each actor brings their own unique appeal, contributing to a modern-day hysteria fueled by social media and fan edits. Paul Mescal, in particular, has gained significant popularity since his breakout role in the BBC adaptation of Normal People, earning an Oscar nomination for his performance in Aftersun and achieving blockbuster status with Gladiator II. Barry Keoghan, another rising star, has also received acclaim for his role in Banshees of Inisherin and has embraced his status as a rugged heartthrob in the cult hit Saltburn. While Dickinson and Quinn are earlier in their careers, they are also making a name for themselves, with Dickinson recently starring alongside Nicole Kidman in the erotic thriller Babygirl and Quinn gaining attention for his role in Netflix's Stranger Things. The casting choices have been described as both logical and strategic, as the filmmakers aim to secure the Beatles' legacy with a new generation of fans while also enticing audiences back to theaters in a post-Covid world. The Beatles hold a unique place in music history, being the best-selling band of all time, and it has been 56 years since all four members last recorded together. Tragically, John Lennon was murdered at the age of 40, and George Harrison passed away from cancer in 2001 at the age of 58. The two surviving members, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, are now in their 80s, yet the band's influence continues to grow. As Hunter Davies, the Beatles' official biographer, stated, 'The strange thing about the Beatles is that the longer we get from them, the bigger they become. ' In recent years, Sir Paul has been actively celebrating the Beatles' music, becoming the oldest headliner at Glastonbury at 80 and releasing a new Beatles track called Now and Then, which became the band's 18th UK number one single, over five decades after their last. This new film project represents a continuation of the Beatles' legacy on the big screen. For the first time, all four band members and their estates have granted full rights for a scripted film, allowing the filmmakers to tell their stories authentically. Each film will focus on a different member of the band, with their narratives intersecting in various ways. Sir Sam Mendes explained that this approach allows for a deeper understanding of each individual, as they are four very different people. The concept of 'binge cinema' has gained traction, highlighting the influence of online audience reactions on cultural trends. The filmmakers are betting on the appeal of the 'internet boyfriends' to attract younger audiences who may not have a strong connection to the Beatles but are engaged on social media. The extent to which musical performances will be featured in the films remains uncertain, but the Beatles biopics could tap into the lucrative genre that has seen success in recent years. However, there are risks involved, as the UK box office has yet to fully recover from the pandemic, and if audiences do not show up for the first film, it could jeopardize the entire project. The three-year gap between the casting announcement and the film's release adds further uncertainty, especially in a fast-paced online environment where fan interests can shift rapidly. Additionally, there is a notable absence of local talent from Liverpool in the lead roles, which has sparked disappointment among some fans who feel that this was a missed opportunity to showcase new talent from the city. McLoughlin emphasized that the Beatles were once unknown before they became famous, and this could have been a chance for a newcomer to rise to prominence. The Beatles are more than just a local band; they have become a global phenomenon, and as Hunter Davies pointed out, their legacy continues to grow. The studio behind these films is undoubtedly banking on a revival of Beatlemania, hoping to capture the hearts of both old and new fans alike.