"I Am Not Interested In Second-Guessing His Casting Choices": John Lennon's Son Responds To Harris Dickson's Casting In 4-Part Beatles Movies

Sean Ono Lennon has responded to Harris Dickinson’s casting as John Lennon in the Beatles movies. Ono Lennon is the son of the late Beatles icon John Lennon and Japanese artist Yoko Ono. Director Sam Mendes is currently working on four movies about the Beatles, and Babygirl actor Dickinson was officially cast as John Lennon. Other cast members include Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.

Speaking with Vanity Fair, Ono Lennon reacted to Dickinson’s casting as John Lennon, noting that he was in touch with Mendes and the rest of the crew. The late singer’s son said that he is “not interested in second-guessing his [Mendes] casting choices as a director.” He pointed out another example of a biopic casting that may not have inherently fit with expectations. He seemed confident in Mendes and Dickinson’s work on the upcoming film. Check out the full quote from Sean Ono Lennon below:

We are all in touch with Sam (the Beatles gang). I told him I am not interested in second-guessing his casting choices as a director. Would anyone have expected Christian Bale to be a good Dick Cheney? I think that’s the filmmaker’s choice. My interest has more to do with the scripts, and how they intertwine. I have every confidence in Sam and Harris and the rest of the team.

What This Means For The Beatles Biopics

John Lennon’s Half-Sister Was Less Forgiving In Her Casting Opinions

Ono Lennon’s comments come after a recent statement from John Lennon’s half-sister, Julia Baird. She believed that Liverpudlian actors should have been cast as the four Beatles members, noting “no one else can that Liverpool intonation.” Dickinson is British, but he was born in London. Baird, however, is not part of Lennon’s estate nor does she have involvement in the film. As one of his two sons, Ono Lennon is ᴀssociated with John Lennon’s estate and thus has a bigger involvement in the movie.

Given how beloved Lennon was, it makes sense why people would have differing opinions of his casting. His son’s endorsement, however, is a positive sign in the right direction for the Beatles biopic films. Ono Lennon did not elaborate much on Dickinson’s portrayal of the Beatles singer, which makes sense given how early the films are in the development process. His statement did confirm that Mendes and his team are involving some family members in the creative process, demonstrating their respect.

Our Take On The Beatles Movie Casting

This Will Be A Huge Chance For These Four Actors

The casting of the Beatles biopics is fascinating in that all four main stars have sH๏τ up to much higher prominence in just the last couple of years. In some ways, this mirrors the Beatles’ rise to fame, as the four musicians from Liverpool quickly rose to fame in their industry. While two of the to-be Beatles actors have Academy Award nominations to their name already, the upcoming films will be a great chance for the quartet to develop their acting careers, while maintaining respect for some of the most prominent music stars.

Source: VF