Beatlemania returns to London as film recreates 1964 crowd scenes

Director Sam Mendes filmed recreated scenes of The Beatles' 1964 New York arrival in central London, using period cars, costumes and extras to portray the crowds. The sequences are part of a four-film anthology about the band that is due to be released simultaneously in 2028.

The capital was transformed into 1964 New York as a film shoot recreated the arrival of The Beatles outside The Plaza Hotel. Director Sam Mendes staged exterior scenes outside The Athenaeum in Pall Mall to double for the Manhattan location. Extras, vintage cars, motorcycles and period costumes were used to evoke the era and portray the crowds who greeted the band. The sequences form part of Mendes's four linked films about The Beatles, which are scheduled for a simultaneous release in 2028. Key details: - Location: The Athenaeum private members' club in Pall Mall was used to represent The Plaza Hotel in New York. - Project: Sam Mendes is directing an ambitious four-film anthology charting the rise of The Beatles. - Cast: Paul Mescal plays Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson plays John Lennon, Joseph Quinn plays George Harrison and Barry Keoghan plays Ringo Starr. - Production design: Vintage vehicles, motorcycles and period costume were employed to recreate the 1964 setting. - Release timing: All four films are due to be released simultaneously in 2028. Summary: The filmed recreation revisits a key early moment in The Beatles' history by recreating the crowd reception that followed their first US visit. The four linked films directed by Sam Mendes are planned for simultaneous release in 2028.