Anna Sawai from Shogun to reportedly get a part in much-anticipated biopic for the Beatles Cinematic Universe

Anna Sawai, known for her part in the Golden Globe-winning historical drama series, Shogun, will reportedly join the cast of the upcoming Beatles biopic. Sam Mendes will direct the film which will be a part of the Beatles Cinematic Universe (comprising four interrelated movies on each band member), as per Jeffrey Sneider from The InSneider.

According to multiple sources, Anna Sawai will reportedly play Yoko Ono, a Japanese music icon and partner of The Beatles' late frontman, John Lennon. Though nothing is official as of now, this rumor has piqued excitement among fans, especially music lovers. Moreover, a key star like Sawai joining such a highly-anticipated franchise has garnered quite some social media attention lately.

Anna Sawai to reportedly play Japanese music star Yono Oko in much-anticipated Beatles movie

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Anna Sawai is reportedly being eyed for an important role in Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopic. She recently gained popularity owing to her part in the historical drama show, Shogun. Sawai has also previously played key roles in projects like Pachinko and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

According to reports, Harris Dickinson (known from The Iron Claw, Beach, and Babygirl) will play the part of Lennon but there is still no official confirmation to the rumors. The 28-year-old actor recently mentioned in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying:

"Okay, my comment is that I think it would be a brilliant opportunity to play John Lennon, and to work with Sam and everyone else mentioned. Yeah, I don’t know. It would be splendid."

Casting details and plot are still being kept under wraps. However, according to ComicBookResources, the following actors are in rumors for potential roles in Sam Mendes' upcoming musical journey:

Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney - bass guitarist for The Beatles)
Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr - drummer for The Beatles)
Joseph Quinn/Charlie Rowe(George Harrison - guitarist for The Beatles)

Helmer Sam Mendes (known for his notable work in American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Spectre, and Skyfall) will now explore the story of one of the best rock bands of all time. Anna Sawai, if confirmed for a role, will play a character (Yoko Ono) whose influence on Lennon's musical career has been noteworthy - not to mention her contribution to The Beatles' final years!

Mendes reportedly shared his feelings in a statement about the upcoming Beatles biopic, saying:

"I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies."

Anna Sawai's role as Yoko Ono will explore a personality that has been misunderstood for quite some time- especially owing to controversies related to the split of The Beatles. So, fans now eagerly wait to get a glimpse of the whole story as Sam Mendes' Beatles project eventually gears up for a 2027 premiere.