Screen tests have officially started for Sam Mendes‘ upcoming series of Beatles biopics, with Joseph Quinn set to portray George Harrison and Barry Keoghan cast as Ringo Starr. The news came to light during a live broadcast on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast show when Quinn called Keoghan as part of a game, revealing insights into their roles and the filming process.
Live Radio Game Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Moments
On Friday, during the “Sitting Down or Standing Up” game on BBC Radio 1, Joseph Quinn phoned Barry Keoghan to guess his position before a live interaction. Quinn initiated the call asking,
“Are you standing up or are you sat down?”
Keoghan nervously responded,
“I’m sat down. What’s happening? Are you pregnant? What’s happening?”
before the playful exchange continued.
Keoghan greeted the listeners,
“Oh! What’s happening, everyone in England, U.K.? What’s up?”
while host Greg James joined in to explain they were checking in with the actor. Keoghan humorously inquired if Quinn was pregnant and if he could be the godfather, to which Quinn replied,
“Yeah, of course. Thank God you were sat down.”
Though Keoghan initially tried to end the call, Quinn insisted on continuing, joking,
“I wanna make most of this,”
as he probed further about their work on the Beatle biopics.
Barry Keoghan’s Take on Playing Ringo Starr
Keoghan confirmed he was currently undergoing his screen test and shared enthusiasm about his appearance for the role.
“It’s great. I look amazing. I’m not even messing — I look amazing. I look more Ringo than Ringo looks Ringo,”
he said with confidence. Quinn agreed with the statement, affirming the actor’s resemblance to the legendary drummer.
Despite their excitement, Keoghan noted the absence of one of the Beatles, referring to it as “We’re missing one Beatle.” Quinn acknowledged this by saying,
“He’s far away from home. He misses you, though… I hope the test goes well, mate. And thanks for answering.”
Details on the Beatles Film Cast and Screen Tests
Alongside Quinn as George Harrison and Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson will portray Paul McCartney and John Lennon, respectively. The actors are participating in screen tests to finalize their looks and performances, with the process described humorously as an “audition thing” crucial to securing their parts.
Moss-Bachrach explained that the screen tests are to lock in the actor’s appearances, “The looks,” making a gesture evocative of the iconic long hair the Beatles sported in the 1970s. Keoghan emphasized the importance of the auditions by adding,
“We might lose the part if we don’t do it right.”
Quinn lightened the mood with a joke: “Well, we’ll see, fingers crossed!”
Affirmations and Playful Teasing About Casting
To settle host Greg James’ concerns, Keoghan confirmed,
“I’m definitely Ringo in the films,”
then asked,
“I’m allowed to say that, right?”
Quinn echoed confidence in his role as George Harrison, responding, “Well, yeah, I hope so.” The conversation was cut short by Keoghan teasing about Mescal’s role, ending with
“Alright you fellas, you have a good day.”
James’s curiosity to uncover more was left unanswered.
Barry Keoghan’s Personal Encounter with Ringo Starr
Since Keoghan’s casting was announced, the actor has spoken about his visit to Ringo Starr’s home. Describing the moment, Keoghan shared,
“I was nervous, like right now,”
but added Starr’s reassuring comment,
“But he’s like, ‘You can look at me.’”
This encounter highlighted the personal significance of stepping into the shoes of the famous drummer.
Release Timeline and Anticipation for the Beatles Films
The four Beatles biopics are scheduled to premiere in theaters in April 2028, promising a detailed and intimate portrayal of each band member’s story. As the cast undergoes final preparations and screen tests, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to see this ambitious project come to life.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened with Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter?
A. The couple has not spoken about their breakup, but a source told People that their hectic work lives led to the sudden separation. “Both are young and focused on their jobs, so they chose to take a break,” the insider explained.
Q. Does Barry Keoghan have a disability?
A. Barry Keoghan shares his experience with ADHD to help raise awareness and reduce stigma. His story inspires people to get support, accept their differences, and notice the strengths that ADHD can bring.
Q. Does Barry Keoghan have a syndrome?
A. Barry Keoghan faced a life-threatening situation due to a severe illness. The 31-year-old actor from “Saltburn” shared he overcame necrotizing fasciitis, a disease that destroys flesh, in a recent interview with GQ.
Q. How much money did Barry Keoghan get paid for Saltburn?
A. There are claims suggesting he earned around $3 million each for Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin. It’s likely he received more for major films like Eternals and The Batman.
