House Of The Dragon star Fabien Frankel has revealed that he auditioned for the role of George Harrison in one of Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles biopics.
Announced back in February, the four biographical films will each be told from the perspective of a different Beatles group member, and will intersect to “tell the story of the greatest band in history.”
Previously, it was reported that Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson will play John Lennon, Barry Keoghan will be Ringo Starr and Charlie Rowe will star as George Harrison. At the time of writing, these rumours have not been confirmed nor denied by Sony, which will be distributing Mendes’ films.
Now, in an exclusive interview with NME, Frankel has revealed that he auditioned for the role of Harrison, but didn’t land the part.
“I read to play George,” he said. “I had an audition. But I just think I look a little Latino. I just don’t think I could, but I would love to play George.”
He added that he never got to read the finished script, explaining that it was a “transcribed audition”.
Fellow House Of The Dragon star Matt Smith, who was also part of the interview with NME, then jokingly suggested that his co-star could play Ricky Martin, before singing a rendition of ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’.
The upcoming biopics mark the first time Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles – Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, along with the families of John Lennon and George Harrison – have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
The films are set to have a global release in 2027, with the band saying in a statement: “The dating cadence of the films, the details of which will be shared closer to release, will be innovative and groundbreaking”.
House Of The Dragon season two launches on Sky and NOW on Monday June 17.