Peter Jackson's New Beatles Documentary Series to Debut Exclusively on Disney+ Over Thanksgiving Holidays

Filmmaker Peter Jackson might most be known for his fantastical efforts like The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit trilogies, with his latest project instead focusing on one of the most renowned musical acts of all time, as Disney confirmed that The Beatles: Get Back would be debuting exclusively on Disney+ this Thanksgiving. The project was initially conceived as a film, though in order to fully honor the legendary music group, the project has since been reimagined as a three-episode series, with each episode running roughly two hours. Stay tuned for updates on The Beatles: Get Back before its premiere on November 26th.

"As a huge Beatles fan myself, I am absolutely thrilled that Disney+ will be the home for this extraordinary documentary series by the legendary filmmaker Peter Jackson," Bob Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company, shared in a statement. "This phenomenal collection of never-before-seen footage offers an unprecedented look at the close camaraderie, genius songwriting, and indelible impact of one of the most iconic and culturally influential bands of all time, and we can't wait to share The Beatles: Get Back with fans around the world."

Jackson added, "In many respects, Michael Lindsay-Hogg's remarkable footage captured multiple storylines. The story of friends and of individuals. It is the story of human frailties and of a divine partnership. It is a detailed account of the creative process, with the crafting of iconic songs under pressure, set amid the social climate of early 1969. But it's not nostalgia - it's raw, honest, and human. Over six hours, you'll get to know The Beatles with an intimacy that you never thought possible."

He added, "I'm very grateful to The Beatles, Apple Corps, and Disney for allowing me to present this story in exactly the way it should be told. I've been immersed in this project for nearly three years, and I'm very excited that audiences around the world will finally be able to see it."

The Beatles: Get Back takes audiences back in time to the band's intimate recording sessions during a pivotal moment in music history. The documentary showcases the warmth, camaraderie, and creative genius that defined the legacy of the iconic foursome, compiled from over 60 hours of unseen footage shot in January 1969 (by Michael Lindsay-Hogg) and more than 150 hours of unheard audio, all of which has been brilliantly restored. Jackson is the only person in 50 years to have been given access to these private film archives. The Beatles: Get Back is the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr as they plan their first live show in over two years, capturing the writing and rehearsing of 14 new songs, originally intended for release on an accompanying live album. The documentary features – for the first time in its entirety – The Beatles' last live performance as a group, the unforgettable rooftop concert on London's Savile Row, as well as other songs and classic compositions featured on the band's final two albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be.

The Beatles: Get Back is being made with the enthusiastic support of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon, and Olivia Harrison.

The Beatles: Get Back premieres on Disney+ on November 26th.

Header photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/Disney+