Sam Mendes is set to direct four separate films focusing on a different member of the Beatles.

For the first time ever, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, and their company Apple Corps Ltd. have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.

But rather than one movie, Skyfall filmmaker Mendes will direct four, one told from each band member’s perspective.

“I’m honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Mendes said in a statement.

According to a press release, the four distinct theatrical feature films will “intersect to tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history”.

Sony Pictures Entertainment will finance and distribute the films worldwide in 2027. The release schedule for the films will be “innovative and groundbreaking” and revealed closer to the time.

“Theatrical movie events today must be culturally seismic,” added Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group. “Sam’s daring, large-scale idea is that and then some. Pairing his premiere filmmaking team, with the music and the stories of four young men who changed the world, will rock audiences all over the globe. We are deeply grateful to all parties and look forward ourselves to breaking some rules with Sam’s uniquely artistic vision.”

Mendes, who conceived the “groundbreaking creative endeavour”, will also produce the project with his Neal Street Productions partner Pippa Harris and Neal Street’s Julie Pastor. Jeff Jones, CEO of Apple Corps Ltd., will executive produce.

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