Few things get the music and film worlds buzzing like the idea of a biographical film about The Beatles, let alone the casting of one of its legendary members. Recently, fans of the Fab Four got their first look at the series of films about the members of the band when Ringo Starr himself confirmed some key casting news. In one candid interview, Starr expressed approval with the idea of actor Barry Keoghan playing him in Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated Beatles biopics, saying, “I think it’s great.”
The Beatles Biopics: A Groundbreaking Project
Sam Mendes, the director who created American Beauty and 1917, has embarked on a remarkable undertaking to create four individual biographical films about the life of The Beatles. Each of these films will depict one of the four members of the iconic band—Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Mendes, for the first time, has teamed up with Sony Pictures and Apple Corps Ltd. to help make films about the Beatles’ stories and their immense repertoire, which will be sanctioned by members of the band. The exciting project, which has sent Beatles fans all over the world in a frenzy, is set to be unveiled in 2027 and will portray the lives of the famous quartet, with each film showing the life of one of the band’s members.
Earlier this year, 2024, it was announced that there was a project in the making, and everybody was drawn to conspiracy theories about who would be cast in the role of these famous personalities. One of the name’s that was supposed to be cast was Barry Keoghan, an Irish actor famous for his role in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Saltburn, who was expected to play the role of Ringo Starr. Given Keoghan’s ability to play a wide range of roles with impressive subtlety, it seemed reasonable for him to be cast as the band’s charismatic drummer, who is also a devoted professional.
Ringo Starr’s Approval
A Personal Endorsement While the casting of Keoghan as Ringo Starr had been discussed for some time, it wasn’t until Starr himself weighed in that fans got official confirmation. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the 84-year-old Starr seemed to confirm the rumors that Keoghan would indeed play him in the film. His response to the casting news was both warm and lighthearted. When asked about Keoghan’s taking over the hosting role, all Starr said was, “Well, I think it’s great. I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.” It shows his approval of Keoghan while being his same humorous self. Starr’s joke about Keoghan’s drum lessons reflects a sense of individuality and authenticity in the playing of musical instruments, something Starr has advocated throughout his career.
These are not just actorly conceits—the drum lessons offer a nod to the burden of playing Ringo Starr, whose drumming was integral to the band. Starr himself has always said that drumming is not about rigid technique but about feeling and groove. The idea of “not too many” lessons in drumming suggests that Starr hopes Keoghan will capture the essence of his drumming style without overpreparation, ensuring Keoghan brings his interpretation to the role rather than trying to exactly emulate Starr.
The Scope of the Films and What They Will Cover
Yet what really frames excitement is Keoghan playing the part of Ringo Starr, even more than the greater context of the Beatles biopic project proposed by Mendes. The films will cover the personal lives of the Beatles, their creative evolution, and also touch upon internal and external factors that challenged their fame. The project has been called a multi-layered narrative that will give fans another pair of glasses through which to listen to the depth in Beatles music and their relationships.
Each film will be unique in perspective: one film on Ringo Starr’s experiences, one on Paul McCartney, and two examining the lives of John Lennon and George Harrison. The involvement of the Beatles’ official company, Apple Corps Ltd., ensures that the films will have access to valuable material rarely seen or accessed by filmmakers, including outtakes and music from the band’s vault. It is this unparalleled access that gives the biopics a potential groundbreaking look into the band’s legacy.
Though the films are at an early stage, the casting has already generated a lot of debate among fans. Many are excited to see how Keoghan can bring his unique intensity and charm to the role of Ringo Starr. On the other hand, many feel a little apprehensive about the portrayal of such loved figures and believe no actor can ever capture the essence of the Fab Four. Still, Starr’s endorsement of Keoghan suggests that the actor is on the right track, and the actor’s enthusiasm for the role seems to confirm this as well.
The Significance of Ringo Starr in the Legacy of the Beatles
Ringo Starr has often been viewed as the quiet Beatle, but his contribution to the group was truly indispensable. As the drummer, he kept the beat for so many of the Beatles’ songs. His unflashy yet deeply musical way on the drums helped define the sound, and his calm, down-to-earth nature made him a beloved member of the band and to fans everywhere. Since the Beatles disbanded, Starr has released many successful solo albums and projects and remains active in the music business. He continues to tour with his All Starr Band and has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors.
Ringo’s blessing on Keoghan’s casting feels significant in a more general sense because these are rare instances where the surviving band members have directly weighed in on portrayals of their younger selves. McCartney and Starr have been protective about the band’s biographical portrayal, showing how deeply they feel towards the music and the history. In this regard, Starr seems to trust the filmmakers to work with Keoghan in bringing the right value to his memory.
A New Chapter in Beatles Storytelling
As this biopic project goes along, excitement continues to rise. Fans of the Beatles have been wondering how the complex, fascinating lives of the band members will be portrayed and how the story of the band will be told from each different perspective. With so many details still kept well under wraps, the news that Barry Keoghan will be playing Ringo Starr is quite a step forward in this landmark series.
As for Ringo, his message is clear: he’s supportive of the project and excited to see how it unfolds, provided Keoghan doesn’t overdo the drumming lessons. It’s a sentiment that reflects Ringo’s laid-back approach to life and music, a perspective that made him the perfect drummer for the Beatles—and one that will surely translate into the upcoming films.
