Ringo Starr took an active role in shaping his own story for the upcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic review. According to a New York Times profile, Starr spent two full days reviewing the script with Mendes, carefully going over it line by line and providing detailed feedback. His goal was to ensure that the film authentically depicts his life, with particular attention focused on his family and his first marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
Starr Challenges Misrepresentations of His Personal Life
Starr was candid about inaccuracies in earlier drafts of the script, especially regarding his relationship with Maureen. He said,
“He had a writer — very good writer, great reputation, and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I,”
adding,
“That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that.’”
This insistence on truthfulness underscores Starr’s dedication to honest storytelling in the biopic.
Trust and Respect Mark the Creative Process
After the intensive scripting session, Starr expressed increased confidence in the project, trusting Mendes to realize the film’s vision faithfully. He shared,
“But he’ll do what he’s doing and I’ll send him peace and love.”
This exchange highlights the collaborative nature of the process, balancing creative control with professional respect.
The Beatles Cinematic Event Set for 2028 Release
Sam Mendes is planning to release four Beatles biopics in April 2028, each from the point of view of a different band member. Titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, the project aims to provide a multifaceted portrayal of the legendary group. It remains unclear whether all four films will debut simultaneously or be released sequentially throughout the month.
Cast Announced for Each Band Member
The casting choices for the series have been revealed: Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn portrays George Harrison, Barry Keoghan takes on Ringo Starr’s role, and Harris Dickinson embodies John Lennon. The four-part story is described with the logline:
“Each man has his own story, but together they are legendary.”
Significance of Starr’s Involvement in the Biopic
Ringo Starr’s close collaboration with Sam Mendes illustrates the importance placed on accuracy and respect in recounting The Beatles’ history. Starr’s insistence on correcting misrepresentations and his ongoing engagement with the creative team suggests the biopics will offer a deeply personal and nuanced look at one of the world’s greatest bands. As the release approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching how these films capture the individual and collective legacies of The Beatles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Sam Mendes’s early life?
A. Mendes grew up in London with his mom, a children’s fiction writer, and his dad, a college professor. They separated when Mendes was five years old. While attending the University of Cambridge, he teamed up with playwright Tim Firth to start a theater group.
Q. Is 1917 based on a true story? Yes, is the short answer, but only with some judicious use of artistic license. Director and writer Sam Mendes was inspired to write 1917 as a war film after recalling stories told to him by his grandfather Alfred Mendez.
A. The movie “1917” is inspired by real events and stories. It’s not an exact account but draws from experiences of those who lived during World War I.
