Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has provided director Sam Mendes with extensive notes to refine the script of the forthcoming Sam Mendes Beatles biopic. The project, announced in February 2024, will consist of four films focusing on each member of the iconic band, with an anticipated premiere in April 2028. Starr’s involvement aims to ensure greater accuracy in portraying his life, especially his relationship with his late first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
During a candid interview with The New York Times, Starr, now 84, expressed his concerns about early scripts, particularly regarding the depiction of his marriage to Maureen. He pointed out that the original version
“had nothing to do with Maureen and I,”
underscoring that “That’s not how we were.” Starr referenced their decade-long marriage starting in 1965 and their three children, including famous drummer Zak Starkey, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation.
Following a two-day creative session with Mendes, Starr shared that the script now better reflects his relationship and family life. While he acknowledges he cannot control every detail of the film, he remains supportive of Mendes’ vision, stating,
“And I’ll send him peace and love.”
Casting Choices Bring Beatles Members to Life
Sam Mendes confirmed the actors cast to portray The Beatles during a March 2025 CinemaCon event, describing the project as “the first bingeable theatrical experience.” Harris Dickinson and Joseph Quinn will embody John Lennon and George Harrison, respectively, while Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan will take on the roles of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Mendes’ careful selection points to a desire to bring authenticity and fresh perspectives to the story of the Fab Four.
Ringo Starr has publicly endorsed Barry Keoghan’s casting, calling him “great” in a March interview with Entertainment Tonight. Keoghan, whose credits include The Batman and Saltburn, has been preparing intensely for the role, including drumming lessons to convincingly portray the legendary musician.
Barry Keoghan’s Preparation and Meeting with Ringo Starr
Barry Keoghan described a memorable encounter with Ringo Starr during a May appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, recounting how Starr invited him to play the drums but that Keoghan felt overwhelmed. He remarked,
“I met him at his house and he played the drums for me. He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
Reflecting on the experience, Keoghan said,
“It was sort of just one of those moments where you’re just in awe and you’re just frozen.”
This meeting symbolizes the deep respect and commitment Keoghan has for accurately embodying Starr in the biopic.
Significance of the Beatles Biopic and Its Anticipated Impact
The Sam Mendes Beatles biopic series represents a highly anticipated project that aims to offer an in-depth portrayal of the legendary band’s personal and professional lives. By focusing on each member individually, the films are expected to provide new insights and humanize the iconic group beyond their immense musical legacy. With Ringo Starr actively contributing to the development process, the production gains a layer of authenticity that promises to resonate with fans worldwide.
As the premiere approaches in 2028, the biopic is positioned to attract both longtime Beatles enthusiasts and newer audiences, reaffirming The Beatles’ enduring influence on music and culture. Mendes’ distinctive approach, combined with the actors’ dedication, is likely to deliver a compelling tribute to one of the most successful acts in music history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Sam Mendes’s early life?
A. Mendes grew up in London with his mother, who wrote children’s books. His parents separated when he was five. His father taught at a university. Mendes later studied at the University of Cambridge, where he started a theatre group with playwright Tim Firth.
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. Is the movie “1917” based on real events?
The film “1917” is inspired by stories from World War I. Though it is not a direct retelling of true events, it draws from real-life experiences shared with the director by his grandfather.
