Paul McCartney’s Height Grievance with Beatles Biopics Sparked Urgent Text to Sam Mendes

Paul McCartney has thrown his full support behind the upcoming Beatles biopics, but revealed a specific concern that prompted him to text director Sam Mendes: “Don’t do this!”

The project comprises a four-film series directed by Mendes, scheduled for simultaneous release in April 2028. The ensemble cast features Paul Mescal as McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.

Each film will explore the band’s history from an individual member’s perspective. This marks the first scripted Beatles dramatization produced with the full authorization of Apple Corps, the surviving members, and access to the group’s music catalog.

The supporting cast includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey. McCartney has endorsed the production and expressed enthusiasm for Mescal’s casting, describing the actor as “very cute” during a joint interview earlier this year.

However, during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, McCartney disclosed a sticking point. He recalled reviewing a production still captured during the filming of the iconic Abbey Road album cover recreation in London. In the image, the actor portraying McCartney appeared noticeably shorter than the actor playing Lennon.

McCartney insisted that all four Beatles stood at roughly the same height. “Guess what? [Mescal looks] smaller than the guy who plays John!” he remarked.

“I don’t know how Sam’s going to deal with it… but he sent me a still from the filming they’re doing, crossing the Abbey Road crossing, and the Paul character is markedly smaller,” McCartney explained.

While Poehler suggested the discrepancy might stem from McCartney’s decision to go barefoot for the original 1969 photograph, the musician revealed he texted Mendes in frustration: “Don’t do this!” Mendes reportedly reassured him: “It’s OK, it’s just the stride pattern.”

Mendes subsequently shared another on-set photo showing the cast at equal heights to alleviate the concern. McCartney noted he encountered a similar issue with his portrayal in the 2009 film Nowhere Boy.

The final height consistency in the finished films remains to be seen. McCartney’s comments follow Mescal’s recent indication that filming will occupy much of 2026.

Separately, Jane Asher, who dated McCartney from 1963 to 1968, stated she has no plans to view the films. Earlier this year, Pattie Boyd revealed she had not been consulted regarding her depiction, noting, “I could have really told them great stories.”

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