Shōgun’s star Anna Sawai recently addressed whispers about her potential involvement in Sam Mendes’ much-anticipated Beatles movies, set to explore the legendary band’s story from unique perspectives. The buzz had positioned Sawai as a front-runner to portray Yoko Ono, a significant figure in John Lennon’s life. However, Sawai quashed these rumors, declaring to Deadline that she’s still deciding on her next move and is not attached to the project.
Mendes is steering an ambitious four-film series, each detailing the Beatles legend from the perspective of Lennon, McCartney, Starr, and Harrison. Though actors like Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Charlie Rowe are speculated for the main roles, there’s a deafening silence from official channels. Even Joseph Quinn, known for his role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has found himself entangled in casting rumors as a potential George Harrison, though he’s sidestepping confirmation with diplomatic evasiveness. According to sources like Deadline, Quinn simply remarked, “I don’t know what you are talking about. I like all of the Beatles.”
In her chat with Deadline, Sawai expressed a cautious approach to her career choices, emphasizing the importance of being selective. “I think a rumor is just a rumor,” she stated. “I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do, so I’m reading a lot of scripts.” While being considered for a high-profile role in such an iconic narrative might tempt other actors to milk the buzz, Sawai remains unfazed, focusing on finding the right project rather than succumbing to speculative allure.
This isn’t the first time the subject of Mendes’ Beatles project has stirred interest without formal confirmation. Dickinson, rumored to play Lennon, echoed a similar sentiment of uncertainty, as he told Deadline, revealing he has no real inkling of his alleged involvement despite the excitement surrounding the possibility.
While the casting spectacle plays out like an episode from a dramatic series, the potential involvement of Yoko Ono’s character adds an additional layer of intrigue. Historically, Ono’s role in the Beatles’ narrative is hotly debated. Still, newfound insights from projects like Peter Jackson’s documentary, The Beatles: Get Back, have shed light on her actual influence. Ono, often painted as a divisive figure responsible for the band’s rift, also stands as a fierce guardian of Lennon’s legacy.
Sawai’s talents, as demonstrated in her well-received performance in Shōgun, make her an exciting choice for any future project, whether connected to the Beatles films or not.
Closing Credits
While the whispers surrounding the casting for Sam Mendes’ Beatles franchise continue to swirl, Anna Sawai’s emphatic denial of her involvement adds another layer of uncertainty. As avid filmgoers keep their ears to the ground for official announcements, the Beatles saga intrigue remains. With a release timeframe still under wraps, fans eagerly await for the curtain to rise on what could be a landmark cinematic exploration of one of the world’s most beloved bands. Stay tuned for updates as official casting confirmations are expected to break soon.
