Barry Keoghan is reportedly set to portray Ringo Starr in an upcoming four-part biopic about The Beatles, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Mendes. While official casting announcements are still awaited, Starr himself has expressed confidence in Keoghan’s ability to play him authentically.
Ringo Starr’s Thoughts
The legendary Beatles drummer, speaking with Entertainment Tonight, addressed the reports of Keoghan’s potential casting. He expressed his approval, saying:
“Well, I think it’s great. I think he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.”
Starr emphasized the importance of actors capturing a musician’s unique essence rather than simply mimicking technical skills.
“You gotta let them get their own feel. I did a MasterClass, and we were talking about, ‘You know, I’m not asking you to play like me, but you have to have this movement that you can do this stuff.’”
Starr’s comments suggest his belief that the role demands an understanding of rhythm and style over technical perfection, a balance he believes Keoghan can achieve.
The Vision Behind the Biopic
Director Sam Mendes is reportedly working on a four-part cinematic series that will tell the individual stories of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The films are designed to explore each member’s personal journey while interweaving their collective narrative as one of the most iconic bands in history.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is backing the project, has promised a deep dive into the lives, achievements, and struggles of The Beatles, with a unique perspective for each film. The entire series is set to release simultaneously in 2027, offering audiences a comprehensive exploration of the band’s legacy.
Casting Rumors
While Barry Keoghan is reportedly preparing to step into Ringo Starr’s shoes, other major casting choices are still under speculation. Among the rumored names:
- Paul Mescal, known for his role in Gladiator II, is linked to the role of Paul McCartney. Speaking to GQ, Mescal said:
“I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.”
- Harris Dickinson, another prominent name, is rumored to portray John Lennon, although he has yet to confirm or deny his participation.
The casting for George Harrison remains under wraps, fueling anticipation about who might take on the role of the introspective and musically gifted Beatles member.
Audience Expectations
The upcoming biopics have already garnered immense attention, given Mendes’ track record as a director and the universal appeal of The Beatles’ story. Fans are particularly intrigued by the concept of presenting each member’s narrative individually, a format that allows for a detailed exploration of their personal and professional lives.
Production Timeline
Although the release date is a few years away, pre-production appears to be in full swing. Barry Keoghan’s involvement, if confirmed, would mark another major milestone in his career, following his critically acclaimed performances in The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn.
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Source:
Entertainment Tonight, GQ