The Beatles’ Apple Corps, Universal Music sign merchandise deal

Universal Music Group (UMG) will handle all worldwide physical and digital merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce related to The Beatles as part of a new long-term partnership with Apple Corps.

The deal between the two entities was confirmed this morning. UMG already handles The Beatles’ music catalog and notably brought the band’s recordings to streaming sites for the first time in 2015.

This deal comes just before a series of high-profile cultural events related to the band’s history. In 2027, Apple Corps will launch The Beatles at 3 Savile Row, a new fan experience. The event will feature seven floors of never-seen-before material from Apple Corps’ extensive archives, rotating exhibitions, a fan store, and the recreation of the original studio where Let It Be was recorded.

Sam Mendes’ The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic is also set for 2028. The project marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd and The Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. Earlier this month, we reported that Mendes and his crew were heading to London’s Abbey Road this summer to shoot key scenes for the movie. Footage of the production recreating the iconic Abbey Road album cover has since made its way onto social media.

Paul Mescal (Gladiator II) plays Paul McCartney in the film. Joseph Quinn (The Fantastic Four: First Steps) is George Harrison, Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) is Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) is playing John Lennon.

In addition to the Fab Four castings, several big names have been tapped to portray other important characters in The Beatles’ lives. Deadline broke the news that James Norton (Happy Valley) has been cast as Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ longtime manager, in the films. Additionally, Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) plays McCartney’s first wife, Linda McCartney; Mia McKenna-Bruce (How To Have Sex) will play Starr’s first wife, Maureen Starkey; Anna Sawai (Shōgun) will play Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono; and Aimee Lou Wood (The White Lotus) will play Harrison’s first wife, Patty Boyd.

-Deadline