Filming for Beatles series "Hamburg Days" to resume after death of Luna Jordan

Lea Drinda takes over the role

According to the production companies, the series "Hamburg Days" tells of the beginnings of the Beatles in the early 1960s, particularly of their time in Hamburg. The project is being produced for, among others, ZDF and the BBC and is conceived as a multi-part series.

In addition to the recast role, Asa Butterfield, known from "Sex Education," and Jonny Lee Miller, who appeared in "The Crown" and "Trainspotting," will also feature in the series. The production named additional contributors as well.

Career of the deceased Luna Jordan

Luna Jordan died in May at the age of 25. In her career to date, she had appeared in various German productions, including an episode of "Polizeiruf" and the series "Jenseits der Spree" alongside Jürgen Vogel. For her role in the film "Fuchs im Bau," she was awarded the Austrian Film Prize.

Filming for "Hamburg Days" is in an advanced stage according to sources close to the production. The resumption is intended to ensure that the series can be completed as planned. A specific broadcast date has not yet been announced.

The Beatles' early phase in Hamburg

The plot focuses on the band's early phase, during which they celebrated their breakthrough in Hamburg. The story also draws on the period documented at the time by photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who shaped the band's image in the 1960s.

With the recasting of Lea Drinda, the production says it is turning to an actress who already brings experience in historical material. This is intended to succeed in balancing the mourning for the deceased colleague with further production progress.

The BBC and ZDF had announced the project as a German-British co-production. This makes "Hamburg Days" one of the few series that tells the early phase of the Beatles from a European perspective – and is likely to attract corresponding international attention.