Anna Sawai to Play Yoko Ono in Upcoming 'Beatles' Movies

The 'Shōgun' star aims to portray a lesser-known side of the iconic artist and musician.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Actress Anna Sawai, known for her Emmy-winning role in 'Shōgun', has been cast to play Yoko Ono in Sam Mendes' forthcoming 'Beatles' biopics. Sawai says she is excited to take on the role and hopes to shed light on a lesser-understood side of Ono's persona, having immersed herself in extensive research on the artist and musician.

Why it matters

Yoko Ono's relationship with The Beatles, particularly with John Lennon, has long been a source of fascination and controversy. This new film project represents an opportunity to reexamine Ono's legacy and provide a more nuanced portrayal of her life and influence.

The details

Sawai told Variety that 'it was my dream to tell her story' and that she believes 'there's a version of her I feel people still don't understand.' To prepare for the role, Sawai has been 'doing so much reading' on Ono, including 'books, videos, and articles' to fully immerse herself in the character.

  • The 'Beatles' biopics directed by Sam Mendes are currently in production.

The players

Anna Sawai

An Emmy-winning actress known for her role in the TV series 'Shōgun', who has been cast to play Yoko Ono in the upcoming 'Beatles' films.

Yoko Ono

An acclaimed artist, musician, and peace activist, best known for her relationship with Beatles member John Lennon.

Sam Mendes

The director who is helming the forthcoming 'Beatles' biopics that will feature Sawai's portrayal of Ono.

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What they’re saying

“It was my dream to tell her story and I didn't think it would come this quick. 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.”

— Anna Sawai (Variety)

“So much reading, oh my gosh. So many books, so many videos, so many articles...”

— Anna Sawai (Variety)

What’s next

The 'Beatles' biopics directed by Sam Mendes are currently in production, with a planned release date yet to be announced.

The takeaway

This casting of Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono represents an opportunity to provide a more nuanced and lesser-known portrayal of the iconic artist and her relationship with The Beatles, potentially shifting public perception and understanding of her legacy.