Is the casting of John Cusack and Paul Dano in the lead role meant to be a subtle riddle at the Beach Boys' relationship with the Beatles? John and Paul tried to be like Brian in their performances just like John and Paul tried to be like Brian in their music.
shareYep, that's totally how casting directors minds work.
shareI don't think John Lennon or George Harrison tried to be like Brian Wilson, the main similarities and styles were between Wilson and Paul McCartney.
In fact McCartney was very public with his admiration for Wilson and vice versa.
Lennon and Harrison's style was towards more rock based acts like The Rolling Stones, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Bob Dylan.