Babygirl star Harris Dickinson responds to rumors he will play John Lennon in the four planned Beatles biopic movies. The Fab Four are finally getting the musical biopic treatment, as Sam Mendes and Sony are developing a quartet of Beatles movies, each centered on a different member of the chart-topping group. Barry Keoghan has already been confirmed as Ringo Starr, but the other three Beatles are yet to be officially cast, as the rumor mill keeps churning out potential names.
Lennon is arguably the prize Beatles catch from an acting standpoint, and last summer it was rumored that Babygirl’s Dickinson would be the one to nab that particular role, but the star is staying mum about whether the rumor has any substance. Dickinson just addressed his name being connected to Mendes’ four-film biopic, and gave only a brief response (via THR):
“OK, my comment is that I think it would be a brilliant opportunity to play John Lennon, and to work with Sam and everyone else mentioned. Yeah, I don’t know. It would be splendid.”
What Dickinson’s Statement Means For The Beatles Biopics
The Rumor Mill Continues To Spin
Banshees of Inisherin star Keoghan was confirmed last year to be cast as Starr after the Beatles drummer let the secret out of the bag. The other three main roles remain open, at least publicly, though it’s possible all have been cast and Sony is just waiting for the right time to announce the news. Dickinson’s remarks do not rule out his playing Lennon, but they also are a long way from being a confirmation.
Dickinson’s recent work in films like Babygirl, Blitz and The Iron Claw suggest that he has what it takes to bring the most fascinating Beatle to life on the big screen.
Dickinson being connected to the biopics as a potential Lennon comes after Gladiator II star Paul Mescal found himself being mentioned as a possible Paul McCartney. Mescal sH๏τ that rumor down, however, telling GQ back October, “I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.” Meanwhile, the role of George Harrison has been rumored to belong to both Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn and Rocketman‘s Charlie Rowe , but again, nothing is confirmed.
Our Take On Dickinson’s Potential Casting As Lennon
It’s The Meatiest Part In The Movies
Dickinson says it would be “splendid” to play Beatles guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Lennon, but that is indeed an understatement. In fact, among the four members of the group, Lennon is by far the most interesting as a character, and would be a great showcase for an actor like Dickinson, whose star is rising thanks to movies like the Nicole Kidman thriller Babygirl.
Dickinson first broke through in the role of Frankie in the coming-of-age drama Beach Rats.
Dickinson’s acting talents would indeed be challenged by playing Lennon. It all starts with the musician and activist’s tragic backstory, involving the death of his mother (who was later immortalized in the song Julia). Lennon’s complicated, at times quite dark personality is another element making the character particularly juicy. Of course, Lennon’s story ends tragically as well, as he was ᴀssᴀssinated by obsessed fan Mark David Chapman on a New York sidewalk.
Lennon will obviously give any actor playing him a lot to chew on. Dickinson’s recent work in films like Babygirl, Blitz and The Iron Claw suggest that he has what it takes to bring the most fascinating Beatle to life on the big screen. Casting confirmation should arrive sometime in the coming weeks, as the four Beatles biopics continue coming together.
Source: THR
