The upcoming Beatles biopic series has hit a major setback as filmmakers have reportedly been denied permission to shoot at the world-famous Abbey Road crossing, the site featured on the band’s legendary 1969 album cover.
Sony confirmed earlier this year that four separate Beatles biopics—each focusing on one member of the iconic band—are in production and scheduled for release in April 2028. The highly anticipated films, directed by Sam Mendes, star Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Abbey Road Filming Request Rejected
Despite production moving ahead, reports claim Westminster Council has refused the filmmakers’ request to recreate the famous album cover at the Abbey Road crossing. The council reportedly declined the application on safety grounds, noting that closing the busy road—even temporarily—would cause significant traffic disruption.
An insider told The Sun:
“It’s believed they turned down the request on the basis that they’d have to shut down the road for filming to take place safely.”
The source added that the location already attracts heavy tourist traffic, with visitors frequently stopping to mimic the famous Beatles pose, often causing congestion. Bringing in a full cast and production crew would reportedly amplify those challenges.
Producers May Cut Iconic Scene
According to the insider, producers are now considering the possibility of omitting the Abbey Road scene altogether. They are reluctant to rely on CGI, fearing it would look inauthentic and fail to capture the historic tone of the original photograph.
“The hope is that they find a road that looks similar enough so they can still make it happen in some form,” the source added.
The Beatles biopic series remains one of the most anticipated film projects of the decade, with fans eagerly awaiting how Mendes will bring the story of The Fab Four to the big screen—even if one of the band’s most iconic moments may need a creative workaround.