Oscar‑winning director Sam Mendes is spearheading an unprecedented cinematic event—a quartet of feature films, each centering on one member of The Beatles. The ensemble cast features Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney), Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Joseph Quinn (George Harrison), and Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr).
The project is fully supported by Beatles estates and carries the rights to their music catalog, set to premiere simultaneously in April 2028 . This project is already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious storytelling endeavors in music history. Their meeting wasn’t just a rite of passage for the actor—it became a symbol of artistic trust between generations.
In a move that has fans of cinema and music buzzing with anticipation, Barry Keoghan—Oscar-nominated for his haunting performance in The Banshees of Inisherin—has been officially cast as Ringo Starr in director Sam Mendes’ groundbreaking Beatles biopic series. Set to be one of four interlinked films, each focusing on an individual Beatle.
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Ringo’s Seal of Approval
Even before casting was official, Ringo Starr had already signaled his approval. In November 2024, during an Entertainment Tonight interview, he said of Keoghan:
“Well, Barry’s great… I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons.”
This early endorsement set a positive tone for the project’s reception.
A Nervous Pilgrimage to Starr’s Home
On May 8, 2025, Barry Keoghan appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, revealing he’d visited the 84‑year‑old drummer at his residence .According to Keoghan:
- Ringo performed a drum sequence for him in person.
- He timidly declined when invited to play himself, admitting he was starstruck:“I couldn’t look at him… I was nervous… but he said, ‘You can look at me.’”
- His goal? To internalize Ringo’s mannerisms and essence—not just mimic.
He also praised Starr’s warmth and encouraged himself to practice extensively, noting he’s taking drum lessons to get it right .
Preparation: Beyond Simple Imitation
Keoghan’s method involves emotional depth over surface accuracy:
- Watching Starr’s every gesture and mood.
- Humanizing the icon onscreen—capturing his humor, timidity, resilience.
- Taking rounds of drumming practice to reflect Ringo’s unique style .
It’s a full‑body, empathetic approach, shaped by firsthand interaction with Starr.
Producer & Director Vision
At CinemaCon in March 2025, Mendes elaborated on the project’s structure:
- Each film is an intimate portrait of each Beatle, emphasizing their individuality.
- Films “intersect in different ways,” painting a collective yet personal biography .
- Production is expected to begin mid‑2025 with a year‑long shoot period.
The result is being touted as a “bingeable theatrical experience”—a term Mendes used, envisioning consecutive theatrical premieres .
Keoghan’s Broader Canvas
While awaiting the Beatles project, Keoghan keeps busy:
- Co‑stars in Hurry Up Tomorrow (May 2025) with Jenna Ortega and The Weeknd.
- Set to reunite with director Bart Layton in Crime 101 (2026), alongside Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo.
- Clearly, he’s in high demand—and committed to diverse roles.
A Beatles Cinematic First
This four-film venture is historic:
- First authorized scripted Beatles bios, with music rights secured.
- Full creative support from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and estates of Lennon and Harrison
- Markedly different from prior unauthorized attempts, aiming for depth, nuance, and authenticity.
Why This Story Matters
This cinematic project is more than a biopic—it’s a cultural event shaping how future generations will view The Beatles. It blends:
- Authenticity: Firsthand insight from surviving Beatles.
- Craftsmanship: Mendes’s cinematic pedigree (e.g., 1917, Skyfall).
- Star power: Rising and established talents committed to immersive portrayal.
- Emotional nuance: Focus on quieter truths behind one of history’s most famous bands.
Barry Keoghan’s transformative meeting with Ringo—one of the greatest drummers of all time—anchors the entire endeavor in emotional resonance. His humility, dedication, and starstruck reverence speak volumes about the project’s ambition.
Frequently Asked Question
When are the Beatles biopics set to release?
All four films will premiere in April 2028, likely in close proximity as part of a cinematic event.
Who is playing Ringo Starr?
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, aged 32, has been cast as Ringo. He’s known for roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Did Ringo Starr personally approve of Keoghan?
Yes. Starr gave his blessing publicly and has met Keoghan, describing him as “great” .
How did Keoghan prepare for the role?
He met with Ringo, observed his drumming in person, declined Starr’s offer to play out of respect, absorbed his demeanor, and hired drum coaches to internalize technique.
What makes this Beatles project unique?
It’s the first authorized multi-film depiction, supported by the Beatles themselves and Apple Corps, with full musical rights and creative freedom .
Who else is in the cast?
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
Who is directing and producing?
Sam Mendes directs all four films, with producer Pippa Harris stating the films will have “no limits” on telling each member’s life.
Conclusion
Barry Keoghan stepping into the shoes of Ringo Starr marks more than a casting decision—it represents a bold new chapter in the cinematic legacy of The Beatles. With the rare blessing of Ringo himself, Keoghan’s performance is poised to be both a tribute and a revelation. His emotional journey—from nervous awe during his visit with Ringo to disciplined drumming practice—mirrors the kind of care this project is taking across the board.