Michael Winterbottom To Direct Liam Gallagher’s Beatles Biopic

Michael Winterbottom, the man behind the excellent 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, based on the rise and fall of Factory Records, is set to direct the forthcoming Beatles biopic The Longest Cocktail Party, according to his long-term production partner Andrew Eaton.

The film will be based on the Richard DiLello book, which tells the hedonistic tale of The Beatles’ flawed Apple venture between 1967 and 1970. The project was initiated, and is being produced, by Liam Gallagher and his company In1Productions.

Speaking to Indiewire, Eaton told of the inspiration he is garnering from Gallagher, whose inexperience in the film world is bringing a fresh outlook to the ongoing plans.

“We’re developing for Michael to direct, it’s one of my passion projects,” he said. “Liam’s great to work with, because he wants everything to happen tomorrow. Because he’s not from the film business, he’s basically going, ‘Why can’t we do it right now?’ It’s very inspiring.”

Liam Gallagher has previously spoken of his desire to secure Hollywood star Johnny Depp for the leading role, though no news of a possible cast has yet been hinted at.