Oscar-winning writer/director Adam Mckay has called out movies like McKay has transitioned his career into films that tackle major societal issues, like The Big Short, Vice, and Don't Look Up. He has also been involved with recent NBA projects, including being an executive producer on Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty and hosting the limited series podcast Death at the Wing.

Now, McKay has taken to social media to question if a documentary like Beatles '64 is necessary. Releasing on Disney+, the documentary is directed by David Tedeschi and produced by Martin Scorsese. It follows The Beatles' first three weeks in America, including their legendary performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. McKay says "nothing is lamer/funnier than white liberals' never ending fascination for the Beatles." He believes that people should move on from their music after age 13 and asks if Beatles '64 is needed at this point.

​​​​​​​

McKay's Comments Do Point Out A Trend In Hollywood

There Has Been An Influx Of Beatles Movies In Recent Years

There is no question that The Beatles have seen their share of movies over the years. Beatles documentaries have been released time and time again, and the band is likely the most chronicled throughout music history. Going back to the band appearing in the fictional movie A Hard Day's Night, they have been a constant subject for film and TV.

The Beatles' enduring popularity means that filmmakers are going to continue to find new angles to approach the material.

In recent years, there have been several different Beatles movies and documentaries. 2019's Yesterday followed a character who was the only person in the world to the band and started releasing their songs as his own. 2021 saw King Kong director Peter Jackson release the 3-episode documentary following the band making the album Let It Be. Doctor Who recently returned to the '60s to see the Fab Four record an album, although no Beatles' music was featured. There is also a four-part movie series following each member of the band in the works from Skyfall director Sam Mendes.

Our Take On McKay's Beatles Comments

Their Popularity Isn't Going Anywhere

McKay's early morning Thanksgiving posts came as a surprise. He's right that there are a lot of Beatles movies and documentaries that already exist, and how much more fresh material can be mined from the band is probably limited. But The Beatles' enduring popularity means that filmmakers are going to continue to find new angles to approach the material, and when done well, can be engaging for fans. With the addition of Beatles '64 being released on streaming, it also has the opportunity to introduce a younger audience to this moment in history.

I don't agree with McKay's take on outgrowing the music, the band continues to resonate for good reason. All art is subjective, and music possibly more so than others, but this opinion is not likely to be widely shared. With the recently finished John Lennon song "Now and Then" being released, Beatles '64, coming out, and four additional Beatles movies in the works, their popularity isn't slowing down.

Source: McKay