British actor Harry Lloyd has been officially cast as legendary music producer George Martin in Sam Mendes’ upcoming four-part biopic about the iconic band, The Beatles. The announcement was confirmed by Giles Martin, George Martin’s son, during an interview on the Ryan Tubridy Show on Virgin Radio U.K. Giles praised Lloyd, describing him as “great” and “committed.”
Lloyd is widely recognized for his role as Viserys Targaryen in the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. His impressive resume also includes performances in notable U.K. productions such as The Fear and Wolf Hall, along with appearances in international series like Manhattan, Counterpart, and Legion.
George Martin’s Legacy and Role in the Films
The character of George Martin is expected to be a pivotal supporting role in Mendes’ films. Martin, who passed away in 2016, is often referred to as “the Fifth Beatle” due to his significant contributions to the band’s success. He was the first producer to work with The Beatles, having signed them to EMI’s Parlophone label after other record labels had turned them down.
Martin’s innovative approach allowed The Beatles to express their unique sound during a time when many producers imposed strict creative limits. He encouraged the band to play their own instruments, record original songs, and maintain their authentic Northern accents in their music. Throughout their collaboration, he produced nearly all of The Beatles’ albums, shaping their sound and helping them achieve global stardom.
As the band progressed, their relationship with Martin faced challenges. Reports indicate that tensions arose during the recording of The White Album, leading Martin to take a break from the sessions. Notably, the only Beatles album on which he is not credited as the lead producer is Let It Be, which was primarily overseen by Phil Spector, though Martin did contribute to the project.
A Star-Studded Cast for Mendes’ Beatles Films
Lloyd joins a remarkable ensemble cast, including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Recently announced leading ladies include Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey.
The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event is currently in production, with the films scheduled to premiere in theatres starting in April 2028. As anticipation builds, fans of both The Beatles and film enthusiasts eagerly await this extensive portrayal of the band’s storied history.
