Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan have been photographed on a London set portraying Paul and Linda McCartney for a new Beatles biopic [1].
The images provide the first visual evidence of the casting and production design for one of the most anticipated musical projects of the decade. Because the series aims to chronicle the lives of the world's most famous band, the physical transformation of the lead actors is a critical component of the production's authenticity.
Mescal and Ronan were seen on a London sound-stage transformed with period wigs, sunglasses, and 1970s-style clothing [1, 2]. The production is led by director Sam Mendes, who is crafting a four-part biographical series [3, 4]. The project focuses on the individual perspectives of the band members and their spouses to provide a comprehensive look at the group's history [4].
These on-set photos were released in August 2026 [2]. The visuals show Ronan stepping into the role of Linda McCartney, while Mescal takes on the role of Paul McCartney [1, 2]. The use of specific 1970s aesthetics suggests the production is currently filming sequences set during the band's later years or the immediate post-breakup era.
While the production is currently underway in London, the final project is not expected to reach audiences immediately [2]. The series is scheduled for release in 2028 [2].
This production represents a significant investment in the Beatles' legacy, utilizing a multi-part format rather than a single feature film to explore the band's complex dynamics [3, 4]. By casting established actors like Mescal and Ronan, Mendes appears to be prioritizing dramatic weight alongside visual accuracy.
“Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan have been photographed on a London set portraying Paul and Linda McCartney.”
The transition from a traditional movie to a four-part series allows Sam Mendes to explore the Beatles' history with more nuance than a standard two-hour biopic. By focusing on the spouses and individual members, the production is likely attempting to move beyond a simple greatest-hits narrative to examine the personal costs of global fame.
