Anna Sawai Eyed for Yoko Ono Role in Sam Mendes’ The Beatles Biopic Saga

There’s a new rumor surrounding Shōgun actress Anna Sawai and her potential involvement in the upcoming Beatles biopics from Sam Mendes! More specifically, she’s reportedly in talks to play John Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, according to scooper Insneider.

If true, this is big news for Sawai, who has only appeared in two movies so far: the 2009 martial arts film Ninja Assassin and the 2021 blockbuster F9. Landing such a crucial role in Mendes’ Beatles biopics is sure to propel her to new heights.

Mendes has ambitious plans for The Beatles on the silver screen. His goal is to tell the band’s story through four interconnected films, with each focusing on one member. The films will star Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and a yet-to-be-announced actor as John Lennon.

Sawai is currently enjoying the success of Shōgun, which has earned her multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress, with several other nominations still pending. But it’s not the only show bringing her praise—her work on the drama series Pachinko has also earned her recognition, and for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, she received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a TV series.

The Beatles biopics are set for release in 2027, so it’s safe to assume that filming hasn’t even started yet.