'Shōgun' star Anna Sawai eyed for Beatles biopics: Report
What's the story
Anna Sawai, known for her work in Shōgun and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, is reportedly in talks to play Yoko Ono in the upcoming Beatles biopics.
The news was broken by film insider Jeff Sneider of The InSneider.
The project, directed by filmmaker Sam Mendes, will feature four interconnected biopics, each centering on a different member of The Beatles.
However, an official announcement about Sawai's role is awaited.
Character focus
Ono's life and legacy to be highlighted in Beatles biopics
Ono, a Japanese artist, singer, and activist is best known for her marriage to John Lennon from 1969 until his death in 1980. The couple had a son together in 1975.
Now 91, Ono continues to honor Lennon's remarkable legacy.
Her character will be central to the upcoming Beatles biopics which will tell the story of each band member from their own perspectives.
Casting rumors
Other potential cast members for Beatles biopics
Along with Sawai, other actors are also rumored to be in consideration for the Beatles biopics' key roles.
Harris Dickinson (The Iron Claw) is reportedly being eyed to play Lennon.
Other rumored casting choices include Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and either Joseph Quinn or Charlie Rowe possibly playing George Harrison.
However, no official casting has been announced yet.
Director's insight
Mendes's vision for the Beatles biopics
Mendes, who is famous for directing James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre, announced his Beatles biopics in February 2024.
The four films will be released in 2027.
McCartney and Starr are working with the production team, as are Harrison and Lennon's families.
Sawai's other notable credits, meanwhile, include Pachinko and Giri/Haji.