British actor Aimee Lou Wood has admitted she feels a sense of pressure stepping into the role of Pattie Boyd in an upcoming series of films about The Beatles, describing the experience as “quite intimidating.”
Wood, best known for her breakout role in Sex Education and her recent appearance in The White Lotus, is set to portray Boyd, the former wife of George Harrison, in a major four-part cinematic project directed by Sam Mendes.
Production on the films has already begun, although Wood revealed she has yet to complete her first full day of filming. Speaking about the challenge of taking on such a recognisable real-life figure, she explained that the role demands a level of preparation she does not always rely on.
“With this one, everyone knows these people, so it’s very different, and it’s quite intimidating,” she said. “I’ve gone and done my fittings with my blonde hair and my blue eyes. I’m really stepping into a different person. We look like them… so it’s kind of trippy.”
The actor noted that portraying Boyd requires a more disciplined approach than some of her previous roles, where she has leaned into spontaneity. “I can sometimes be like, ‘let’s just see how it goes,’ which works for certain things, but I can’t do that with Pattie,” she explained. “I’m going to have to really prep and be detailed, because she is so recognisable. I have to be specific whilst also being free — and that scares me.”
The ambitious project, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, features a high-profile ensemble cast. Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, while Barry Keoghan takes on the role of Ringo Starr. Harris Dickinson is set to portray John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn will appear as Harrison.
The films are scheduled for release in April 2028 and will also explore the lives of key women connected to the band. Saoirse Ronan, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Anna Sawai are set to portray Linda McCartney, Maureen Starkey, and Yoko Ono respectively.
Alongside this role, Wood will also star as the titular character in a new television adaptation of Jane Eyre, a project she has suggested feels more aligned with her natural instincts as a performer.
Despite acknowledging the temptation to remain within familiar territory, Wood emphasised the importance of creative risk-taking. “The more eyes that are on you, the more scared you are to fail,” she said. “I can see why people stick to what they know, but that’s the death of your creativity.”
Wood, who won a BAFTA TV Award in 2021 for her performance in Sex Education, has continued to build momentum in her career. She has received two nominations at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards, including Supporting Actress for The White Lotus and Lead Actress for the BBC comedy Film Club, which she also co-created.
