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Thanks to my father, an enormous Beatles fan, I grew up listening to a LOT of Beatles music. ("Hey Jude," "A Hard Day's Night," and "Let it Be" are some of Dad's favorites.) I guess I can say that I'm something of a fan, too.
It occurred to me recently that there's been no major film depicting the foursome since perhaps 1979's Birth of the Beatles, which only covered the early days of the band before they hit worldwide stardom. Obviously, there have been films that focused on one or more of the band members and their struggles with life, love, and the music industry, but nothing about the band as a whole on the level of recent biopics like Selma, The Imitation Game, or Jimi: All Is By My Side.
So I thought it would be fun to cast a biopic that would revolve around The Beatles' final public performance: a surprise concert on a London rooftop in chilly January 1969. Obviously, the film would flash back to key moments in the band's history, from their first Top 40 hit to their momentous arrival in the United States, and more. But that final performance was so unique, so bittersweet, representing the very last of The Beatles' youthful spirit and infectious musical artistry before each man went his own way.
Alright, let's get to the cast:
JOHN LENNON / EWAN McGREGOR
You need a leading man to play the band's lead vocalist, who many considered to be the public "face" of The Beatles. He certainly was a social tour-de-force and his message of love and fellowship inspired millions. Who better to portray the man than Ewan McGregor, eternally boyish with an inexhaustible charm that can captivate and move audiences through every high and low?
PAUL McCARTNEY / MICHAEL SHEEN
Every bit a legend in his own right, Paul McCartney was Lennon's friend and creative counterpart. Michael Sheen would bring a strong counterbalance to the film, channeling McCartney's openness and emotional solidarity during the group's struggles final years.
GEORGE HARRISON / BEN MILES
By 1969, George Harrison had emerged as a highly prolific and talented songwriter. His strong personality and passionate approach to making music should be front and center, and Ben Miles has the mesmerizing screen presence to do just that. And he's a talented musician himself: he plays guitar, drums, and bass.
RINGO STARR / BEN WHISHAW
Ringo Starr has enjoyed a fair bit of popularity, transcending what is too often a forgettable role in a rock band. And that's largely due to his fun, easygoing nature. Ben Whishaw is admittedly a little young for the role (Starr was the oldest Beatle, in fact), but the up-and-comer has the right mix of intensity and joviality that the role needs.
YOKO ONO / YÔKO MAKI
A divisive figure among Beatles fans for decades, Yoko Ono became John Lennon's partner and famously interjected herself into a creative role within the band, much to the dismay of the other members. Admittedly, I'm not very familiar with Maki's work, but her credentials seem to indicate a talented young woman with a knack for intense, dramatic roles.
BONUS!
BILLY PRESTON / MOS DEF
Brought into the fold by George Harrison not long before the breakup of the band, keyboardist Billy Preston is considered by many to be the "fifth Beatle" given his contributions to some of the group's most memorable songs (and he performed with them on the rooftop). Although the incredibly talented Mos Def insists he's retired from music and film, he would bring a remarkable spark of life to the role, just as Preston brought to The Beatles in their final months.
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So, there you have it! How do you like the list? As always, comments and alternative casting suggestions are welcome.
