Emmy-winning actor Anna Sawai has opened up about stepping into the role of Yoko Ono in filmmaker Sam Mendes' forthcoming Beatles biopics, saying the films will explore a side of the iconic artist that many people "still don't understand". Sawai, who won wide acclaim for her performance in Apple TV's series Shogun, will portray Yoko Ono in the ambitious four-part biopic project on The Beatles, set to release simultaneously in theatres on April 7, 2028. Speaking to Variety, Sawai expressed her excitement about playing Ono. "It was my dream to tell her story and I didn't think it would come this quick," Sawai said. "There's a version of her I feel people still don't understand. And in this film, I think we're going to be able to tell that side of the story," according to Variety. Before rising to international fame as an actor, Sawai began her career in show business as a member of the J-pop band FAKY.

 

Now, she is returning to her musical roots through the role of Ono, who was an influential artist and musician in her own right and was married to John Lennon. To prepare for the role, Sawai said she has immersed herself in extensive research about Ono's life and work. "So much reading, oh my gosh," she shared. "So many books, so many videos, so many articles...She has so much artwork that also shows her personality.” Sawai is also enjoying being on set in London alongside the actors portraying the legendary members of The Beatles -- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. "They're not even looking at the sheet music anymore. They can just play it off and sing it, and it really sounds like the Beatles to me. It feels surreal," she said. The four interconnected films are among the most anticipated music biopics in recent years and aim to offer individual perspectives on each band member, along with key figures in their lives. Audiences will see Sawai reprise her role as Cate Randa in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2, which premieres on Apple TV on February 27.n