Sir Brian May’s Dread: The Secretive Fears Behind the Beatles 4 -Film Cinematic Event
London, UK — January 18, 2026
Sir Brian May’s Dread: The Secretive Fears Behind the Beatles Four-Film Cinematic Event The global music community is buzzing with anticipation as the ambitious Beatles cinematic universe approaches its production milestones, yet a shadow of concern has been cast by none other than Queen’s legendary guitarist.
Sir Brian May’s dread: the secretive fears behind the Beatles four-film cinematic event stems from a deep-seated worry about how these stories will interact on the silver screen.
While fans are eager to dive into the individual perspectives of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, May has voiced a unique perspective on the potential fallout of such a massive undertaking.
The Competition Within the Fab Four
The primary source of anxiety for the rock icon is the inherent “competition” the four-film format might create.
Speaking recently at the Royal Albert Hall for the launch of Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, Sir Brian May revealed his discomfort with the structure proposed by director Sam Mendes.
By releasing four separate biopics—each dedicated to a different member of the band—the project risks creating a narrative divide.
“I love the Beatles; the Beatles are like the Bible to me,” May stated, according to reports from earlier this week.
“But four films? I feel this horrible kind of thing that it’s a competition between them or something.”
His concern is that instead of celebrating the collective genius of the band, the format might inadvertently encourage fans and critics to “rank” the members’ lives and contributions against one another.
Why the Queen Legend Fears a ‘Competition’
Sir Brian May’s perspective is shaped by his own experience with the blockbuster success of Bohemian Rhapsody.
He understands the delicate balance required to tell a band’s story without losing the essence of the group.
He insists that he would “dread” it if such an approach were taken with Queen, noting that he is happy with the single-film tribute they created for Freddie Mercury.
In his view, the secretive fears revolve around:
Narrative Fragmentation:
The risk that individual stories will clash rather than harmonize.
Invidious Comparisons:
The potential for media to focus on which Beatle’s story “wins” at the box office or with critics.
Legacy Dilution:
A fear that focusing on individual arcs will portray some members as “more important” than others, disrupting the balanced legacy of the group.
The Latest from the Production Front
Despite May’s reservations, those close to the production are describing the scripts as “beautiful” and “next level.”
Mia McKenna-Bruce, who is set to play Ringo Starr’s late wife Maureen Starkey, shared on January 15, 2026, that the recent cast read-throughs were “really emotional.”
She emphasized that the actors—including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon—have gone “tenfold” into their roles, questioning every detail to ensure accuracy and respect for the story.
Paul Mescal himself confirmed today, January 18, that while he is excited, he is keeping specific details “hush-hush” as filming is expected to occupy most of his schedule throughout 2026.
The Stakes for Cinema and Music History
This cinematic experiment is unprecedented. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes, the project aims to give each “Fab Four” member their due.
However, the scale of the project is exactly what triggers May’s concern. If one film is perceived as weaker than the others, it could unfairly skew the historical perception of that specific member for a new generation of fans.
As we look toward the scheduled release in April 2028, the industry remains divided. Is this the ultimate tribute to the greatest band in history, or is it a risky gamble that could fracture a legacy? Sir Brian May’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder that in the world of legends, the whole is often much greater than the sum of its parts.
