Joseph Quinn addresses his reported casting as George Harrison in The Beatles movies. One year ago, it was announced that Sam Mendes – the Oscar-winning director behind American Beauty, Skyfall, Spectre, and 1917 – would helm four interconnected biopics about The Beatles, with each film focusing on a different member of the Fab Four. Though an early report indicated that Charlie Rowe was cast in the role, a later report claimed that Quinn is “the choice” to play the band’s guitarist, George Harrison.
Now, the actor is addressing his reported casting for the first time. During a panel moderated by ScreenRant‘s Joe Deckelmeier at Megacon 2025, the topic of Quinn’s rumored casting came up and, asked who his favorite member of The Beatles is, he remained тιԍнт-lipped about both questions, saying “I don’t know what you are talking about. I like all of the Beatles” and whoever plays Harrison in the movies is “going to have a great time.” Read his full response below:
I think also… hmmm… hmmm… I don’t know what you are talking about. I like all of the Beatles. Whoever does that is going to have a great time.
What Joseph Quinn’s Comments Mean For The Beatles Movies
Its Cast Still Isn’t Confirmed
Several months after The Beatles movies were first announced in February 2024, it was reported that the cast would include Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Charlie Rowe as George Harrison. However, in December 2024, it was reported that Quinn was “the choice” to play Harrison. If true, this would set up a Gladiator 2 reunion as Quinn is coming off his role as Emperor Geta and Paul Mescal, who played Lucius, is possibly portraying Paul McCartney.
However, none of these reported castings have been officially confirmed. When each actor has been asked about their rumored castings, they have given noncommittal responses similar to Quinn’s. However, the actor was reportedly spotted carrying a guitar while filming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in which he plays Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott also seemingly revealed that Mescal is playing McCartney, as did Ringo Starr with Barry Keoghan playing the band’s drummer.
Our Take On Joseph Quinn’s Beatles Comments
The Studio Is Being Highly Secretive
Sony, the studio behind The Beatles movies, is being incredibly secretive about the castings. Quinn, for instance, didn’t even want to reveal who his favorite member of the band is at risk it might confirm his casting. However, Quinn’s noncommittal comments also seem to suggest that Charlie Rowe playing Harrison is still on the table. Despite the reports, these noncommittal comments from the cast create some uncertainty. Until their castings are officially confirmed, their involvement in The Beatles movies can’t be considered a sure thing.
The Beatles movies are expected to start production in 2025 and be released throughout 2027.