The Beatles Movies Should Be The Start Of The Rock Cinematic Universe
In 2027, a wildly ambitious cinematic project is slated to come to life: four biopics about The Beatles, each focusing on one member of the Fab Four. The casting is already tantalizing, with Paul Mescal apparently set to play Paul McCartney and Barry Keoghan confirmed to be taking the role of Ringo Starr.
While details are scarce, it seems likely that these films will offer something Rashomon-like—four perspectives on the same iconic story.
The idea of a Beatles Cinematic Universe is exciting. But what if it didn’t stop there? What if these films laid the groundwork for something even bigger: a Rock Cinematic Universe?
Allow me to propose Hollywood’s next blockbuster phenomenon: an interconnected web of movies chronicling the history of rock music, with a shared cast and storylines crossing over from one film to the next. Modeled after the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Rock Cinematic Universe (RCU) would capture the genre’s sprawling history.
Fans of the MCU love a good crossover event, and rock music has plenty of those to offer. The Beatles' history alone is full of thrilling intersections. It’s conceivable that Roy Orbison will appear in the story, in scenes devoted to their 1963 UK tour; Phil and Ronnie Spector may pop up in the mid-60s; Jimi Hendrix will potentially wow Paul and George with his blistering performance of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” at London’s Saville Theatre. Each of these figures could spin off into films of their own, creating a sprawling narrative web.
Roy Orbison’s story might naturally lead to the tale of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. Phil and Ronnie Spector could open the door to a film about the songwriting duo Lieber and Stoller. Jimi Hendrix’s story could bring in Pete Townshend and The Who, complete with the infamous coin toss at Monterey Pop Festival. These interconnected films wouldn’t just explore isolated figures but would illuminate the relationships, collaborations and inspirations have made rock thrive.
Source: Darryn King/forbes.com
