McCartney Urges Mendes to Fix Height Discrepancy in Beatles Biopics
Paul McCartney has publicly criticized the casting choices for Sam Mendes' upcoming four-part Beatles biopics, arguing that the actors portraying him and John Lennon are not the same height. During an appearance on the 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler' podcast on October 13, 2026, McCartney expressed frustration that Paul Mescal, who plays him, appears shorter than Harris Dickinson, who plays Lennon. He stated that all four Beatles members were roughly the same height, with Ringo Starr being slightly smaller. McCartney contacted director Sam Mendes to address the issue after seeing a promotional still from the Abbey Road scene where his character looked markedly shorter. Mendes responded that the discrepancy was due to the actors' stride patterns and sent a follow-up image showing equal heights. This complaint echoes McCartney's previous dissatisfaction with the 2009 film 'Nowhere Boy,' where he felt his character was portrayed as smaller and less heroic than Lennon's.
Key points
- McCartney told Mendes, 'Don't do this!' after seeing a still where Mescal appeared shorter than Dickinson.
- Mendes claimed the height difference was due to 'stride pattern' and sent a new photo showing equal heights.
- The four films are set for release in April 2028, with each movie focusing on one band member.
- McCartney previously complained about similar height inaccuracies in the 2009 film 'Nowhere Boy'.
Background
This controversy follows earlier reports that the four Beatles biopics, backed by Sony Pictures, are in production and scheduled for a staggered release in April 2028. Producer Pippa Harris confirmed at the BFI London Film Festival that audiences could see the films within the same month but not necessarily on the same day. The project features a star-studded cast, including Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney and Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono. McCartney had previously met with Mescal to teach him guitar for the role, calling the actor 'extraordinary' and noting his extensive preparation.
How outlets are covering it
Variety and Page Six highlight McCartney's direct text message to Mendes, emphasizing his frustration with the visual inaccuracy. Billboard adds specific height details, noting Mescal is 5'11" while Dickinson is 6'2", and frames the issue as a recurring 'tall tale' filmmakers get wrong. BBC focuses on the historical context, linking this complaint to the 2009 film 'Nowhere Boy,' where McCartney also objected to being portrayed as smaller than Lennon. All outlets agree that Mendes attempted to reassure McCartney by citing stride patterns, but McCartney remains unconvinced by the initial stills.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the tension between historical accuracy and cinematic casting in major biopics. With the films set for a high-profile 2028 release, McCartney's public intervention signals that the band's legacy is being actively guarded by its surviving members. It also raises questions about how directors will handle physical discrepancies in a project that aims to recreate iconic moments like the Abbey Road crossing.
What to watch
Mendes is expected to address the height issue in the final cut of the films, potentially through editing or camera angles. The four biopics are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028, with each film focusing on one member of the Beatles. McCartney may continue to monitor the production, given his previous involvement in the casting and preparation process.
- Paul McCartney Calls Out Beatles Movies Because Paul Mescal Is Shorter Than John Lennon Actor; He Texted Director Sam Mendes: ‘Don’t Do This!’ Variety
- Paul McCartney's plea over Beatles films: Don't make me 'little Paul' BBC
- Paul McCartney reveals his biggest issue with upcoming Beatles biopic: ‘Don’t do this’ Page Six
- Paul McCartney Reveals His One Frustration with the New ‘Beatles’ Biopics: ‘Don’t Do This!’ People.com
- Paul McCartney Clears Up an Annoying Tall Tale Filmmakers Keep Getting Wrong About the Beatles: ‘Don’t Do This!’ Billboard
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