Farhan Akhtar set for Hollywood debut in 'The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event' amid 'Don 3' drama

Farhan Akhtar is all set for his Hollywood acting debut in director Sam Mendes’ ambitious 'The Beatles - A Four-Film Cinematic Event'. The actor and director, who is in the news over his awaited spy film 'Don 3', is now heading West to feature in his first Hollywood role. Akhtar will reportedly play the role of legendary Indian composer Ravi Shankar. As per the report on Variety, the actor will play the sitar maestro who significantly influenced George Harrison and introduced Indian classical elements into The Beatles’ music during the 1960s. With this, Akhtar joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr and Joseph Quinn as Harrison.Farhan's casting comes along with a list of other Hollywood stars, also joining the film. Lucy Boynton will join the cast as Jane Asher, while 'Lord of the Rings' star Morfydd Clark will star as Cynthia Lennon (John Lennon's first wife) and Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe, the band’s original bass guitarist.The role, is a major crossover moment for Akhtar, who last ventured west with the web series 'Ms Marvel'. The actor played a small but significant role in the web series that launched Iman Vellani onto the big screen as the Marvel superhero. As previously announced, Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai will portray Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood takes on the role of Pattie Boyd and Mia McKenna-Bruce will play Maureen Starkey. James Norton has been cast as manager Brian Epstein, while Harry Lloyd will portray producer George Martin.The ambitious film helmed by Mendes, will comprise four separate films, each from the perspective of a band member. The movie will reportedly chronicle The Beatles’ meteoric rise from Liverpool to global superstardom and their eventual breakup in 1970. The Beatles have reportedly granted full life story and music rights for a scripted feature. All four versions will be released in theatres in April 2028.The announcement comes amid ongoing drama surrounding 'Don 3'. As per recent reports, Farhan's Excel Entertainment allegedly reached out to seek compensation of Rs 40 crore from actor Ranveer Singh, after he reportedly walked out of their film 'Don 3' due to creative differences.