The Beatles are still one of the most popular and talked-about musical acts in history, and they have a genuinely unique and interesting history. Whether it's dropping arguably the greatest album ever, their solo careers, or the facts behind their best lyrics, the band has always found a way to keep people talking.
During the height of their fame, the band doubled as movie stars, and for their third film, they wanted to tackle a massive Lord of the Rings project with Stanley Kubrick.
Let's take a look at the band's film career, and the insane movie they tried to make!
The Beatles Were No Strangers To Making Movies
The Beatles, an iconic British rock band, not only revolutionized the music industry but also left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with their forays into filmmaking during the 1960s. With their undeniable charm, witty humor, and catchy tunes, The Fab Four made their presence felt on the big screen, enchanting audiences worldwide.
The band's cinematic debut, A Hard Day's Night, directed by Richard Lester, showcased the Beatles' playful personalities and marked a pivotal moment in their career. Released in 1964, the film was a whimsical mockumentary-style feature that followed the band's escapades over the course of a hectic day.
Following the success of their first movie, The Beatles returned to the silver screen with Help! Directed by Richard Lester once again, this time the band embarked on a comedic adventure involving an ancient sacrificial ring, frenetic chases, and a whole lot of hilarity.
The band even managed to stray away from live-action flicks, venturing into the world of animation.
The Beatles' cinematic ventures not only showcased their musical prowess but also contributed to the evolution of filmmaking and music videos. Their movies demonstrated a seamless blend of storytelling and captivating melodies, paving the way for modern music-oriented films.
With their film experience, the band wanted to push things further, and at one point, they planned on making a Lord of the Rings film.
The Beatles Wanted To Make Lord Of The Rings With Stanley Kubrick
According to Collider, the band had a 3-picture deal, and after their first two films, they eyed a project set in Middle-earth. This project was intended to be a musical!
"In line with The Beatles' first two films, their Lord of the Rings would have been a musical featuring their very own songs. Sixties rock and roll certainly sets a different tone than Howard Shore's iconic score does. Instead of first seeing Middle Earth come to life over "The Prophecy" theme, we may have been hearing "Eleanor Rigby."
"Both are great songs, but they carry disparate energies, and one feels a bit more fitting for an epic fantasy than the other. Albeit Tolkien's novels are filled with more singing than the eventual films let on, these songs are old, folkish tunes rather than pop-rock from the twentieth century," the site wrote.
The band members even had their roles picked out.
"While Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were going to play Frodo and Sam, respectively, George Harrison and John Lennon were not eyeing the roles of Merry and Pippin (or vice versa). Instead, George would have played Gandalf, and John would have been Gollum," Collider reports.
This already sounds bizarre enough, but as it turns out, Stanley Kubrick was the man the band wanted to direct the film.
Kubrick, however, turned down the opportunity to make the film.
Eventually, J.R.R. Tolkien declined the band's version of his story, and years later, Peter Jackson came along and reshaped cinema.
Years Later, Peter Jackson Delivered A Classic Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is composed of three films: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. These films not only showcase breathtaking cinematography and captivating storytelling, but also boast an ensemble cast led by actors like Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn. The performances were praised for their depth and brought a host of memorable characters to life.
Along with its critical acclaim and awards, the most significant testament to the trilogy's enduring legacy lies in its box office performance. The combined might of the three films amassed a colossal global box office gross of over $2.9 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history.
The Return of the King specifically secured its place in cinematic history, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of its release year and winning all 11 Academy Awards it was nominated for, an unprecedented achievement in itself.
We're sure that the Fab Four's Lord of the Rings would have been interesting, but we sure are glad Peter Jackson got to do his thing.
