We’ve seen many new releases covering The Beatles in recent years. The Beatles: Get Back three-part documentary series, was released by Peter Jackson in 2021. The Beatles Anthology box set was released in November 2025, featuring restored documentary footage. And now, a new documentary emerges. Man On The Run covers Paul McCartney’s life post-Beatles.
The film is directed by American filmmaker Morgan Neville, who received critical acclaim with his 2018 Fred Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor. The film was the highest-grossing biographical documentary of all time. With that, expectations are set for the new McCartney documentary.
Director Morgan Neville on the New Film
Man On The Run director Morgan Neville sat down with ABC7 Chicago to discuss his vision behind the film. “I’ve been a Beatles fan as far back as I can remember. This is a film I’ve been preparing for my whole life,” said Neville.
The film begins with the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, and the next steps in Paul McCartney’s career. Initially, McCartney wasn’t sure what to do next and was doubting if he’d ever play music again. With the support of his wife, Linda McCartney, Paul set out to establish his own music career aside from his Beatles success.
On this, Neville explained, “I called the film ‘Man On The Run’ because he’s running away from The Beatles, in the wake of them breaking up. So, in the 1970s, he was not playing Beatles songs in concert. Every interview he gives, people are saying, ‘When are The Beatles getting back together?’ ‘Can’t you guys just get back together?’ And when John dies, suddenly that just ends. That’s why I ended the film there, because Paul stops running. Suddenly, he just recorded his next album as just Paul McCartney. He then works with George Martin and Ringo again.”
The Film Covers McCartney’s Success with Wings in the 1970s
Despite performing in The Beatles’ shadow, Paul McCartney & Wings found much success in the 1970s. McCartney established a new direction of sound and released the hit record Band On The Run in 1973. With former Moody Blues member Denny Laine and his wife Linda McCartney, Band On The Run hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on April 13, 1974. The album’s title track hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with the album’s other two singles, “Jet” and “Helen Wheels,” entering the top ten.
In 1976, Wings released a triple live album Wings Over America, which reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Top LP’s & Tape chart. The live album featured Wings hits as well as Beatles classics “Yesterday,” “Lady Madonna,” “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “Blackbird,” and “The Long and Winding Road.”
Songfacts: Band On The Run | Paul McCartney & Wings
Shortly after the Band On The Run album was released, McCartney told Melody Maker: “The basic idea about the band on the run is a kind of prison escape. At the beginning of the album the guy is stuck inside four walls, and eventually breaks out. There is a thread, but it’s not a concept album.” Asked if this was a reference to Wings escaping from The Beatles, he replied: “Sort of – yeah. I think most bands on tour are on the run.”
‘Man On The Run’ Is Available for Streaming on February 27
The new film coincides with the 2025 box set Wings. Additionally, Paul McCartney’s book Wings: The Story Of A Band On The Run was released last November. The new documentary premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2025. The film saw a limited theatrical release on February 19, 2026.
Man On The Run will be released on Prime Video on Friday, February 27, 2026. Additionally, the new film’s soundtrack will be released on the same day.
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