Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Joseph Quinn, and Harris Dickinson have unveiled the inaugural photos of themselves portraying the Beatles in a highly anticipated four-part anthology. These images offer Beatles fans a first glimpse of the actors as they bring the iconic band’s story to life. This project, directed by Sir Sam Mendes, traces the Beatles’ journey from Liverpool’s dynamic club scene to global superstardom, highlighting the significance of Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr in the production.
Actors Prepare to Depict Beatles’ Rise Under Sam Mendes’ Direction
The four ambitious films are developing under the supervision of director Sir Sam Mendes, who aims to capture the band’s transformation during the 1960s. While the casting choices—Mescal as Paul McCartney, Dickinson as John Lennon, Quinn as George Harrison, and Keoghan as Ringo Starr—sparked debate among fans and critics, the recently released images demonstrate a faithful and compelling visual portrayal. These preliminary photos, shared by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), co-founded by McCartney in 1996, showcase the actors in authentic settings that recall the band’s early atmosphere.
Visuals Capture Beatles in Liverpool’s Legendary Venues and Studio Sessions
One striking image features Paul Mescal as a young McCartney against the unmistakable brick walls of the Cavern Club in Liverpool, known for being the band’s birthplace of fame. Besides this, a photo of Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr shows him working in the studio adorned in a black and white spotted shirt paired with a psychedelic tie, headphones resting around his neck. This look typifies Starr’s style in the late 1960s, especially during the recording of the Beatles’ 1968 self-titled double album, commonly known as the “White Album.” Keoghan’s facial features and hairstyle, notably the classic moptop cut, closely resemble the legendary drummer’s distinctive appearance during this period.
Supporting Cast and Roles Highlight Beatles’ Later Years and Relationships
Joseph Quinn portrays a bearded George Harrison, known affectionately as the “quiet Beatle,” with visuals suggesting his representation of Harrison near the band’s closing chapter in 1969. Meanwhile, Harris Dickinson adopts the iconic denim jacket and round glasses the late John Lennon famously wore, particularly reminiscent of his appearance at The Rolling Stones’ Rock and Roll Circus event. Additional casting announcements include Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Harrison’s wife; Saoirse Ronan portraying Linda McCartney, muse to many of Paul’s songs; Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, Lennon’s wife; and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Cox, Ringo Starr’s wife.
Production Advances with Filming in Iconic Locations
Filming has commenced at London‘s Abbey Road Studios, a legendary site closely tied to the Beatles’ legacy. Despite early reports claiming obstacles, Westminster Council has confirmed their cooperation, including approving the temporary closure of the famous zebra crossing. Director Mendes expressed his intention to recreate the Beatles’ iconic 1969 album cover on the crossing, a moment significant to the band’s cultural heritage. This project will mark the first occasion that Apple Corps Ltd and the surviving Beatles—Sir Paul, Sir Ringo, alongside the families of Lennon and Harrison—have authorized full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
Barry Keoghan Shares Personal Insights on Portraying Ringo Starr
Barry Keoghan recently admitted he was overcome with nerves during his first meeting with Ringo Starr. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Keoghan described the encounter as “lovely” but confessed he struggled to maintain eye contact with the legendary drummer. He recounted,
“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.”
Despite his anxiety, Keoghan said Starr was “absolutely lovely” and that they spent time “chatting away” in the garden.
“I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.” ? Ringo Starr, Drummer of The Beatles
“You can look at me.” ? Ringo Starr, Drummer of The Beatles
Keoghan emphasized his dedication to authentically studying Ringo’s mannerisms rather than merely imitating him.
“My job is to observe and kinda taken in mannerisms and study him,”
he said.
“I want to humanise him and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.”
Cast and Crew Anticipate an Immersive Beatles Experience
At CinemaCon in Las Vegas last April, director Sam Mendes described the series as the “first binge-able theatrical experience,” highlighting the project’s innovative approach to storytelling. The cast’s involvement has been gradually revealed over the previous year, with Sonia confirming the lineup following months of speculation. Sir Ridley Scott, while promoting Gladiator II, indicated Paul Mescal’s commitment to the Beatles films might affect their future collaborations due to scheduling.
LIPA Encourages Engagement with Exclusive Promotional Materials
In a unique promotional effort, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts distributed exclusive postcards featuring the cast in character, which were hidden around the LIPA campus for students to discover. This initiative provided fans and students a tangible link to the project and generated excitement about the upcoming films, set for release in April 2028.
Significance of the Beatles Films and Expected Cultural Impact
This anthology represents a landmark moment, providing audiences with a deeply felt portrayal of the Beatles’ legacy, enhanced by intimate performances from the ensemble cast. The authorization of music and life rights by the Beatles and Apple Corps ensures an authentic narrative able to resonate with both longtime fans and new viewers. Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr stands out not only for visual accuracy but for his committed effort to capture the spirit and complexity of the beloved drummer. The films are expected to offer a comprehensive, immersive depiction of the Beatles’ evolution, contributing to their timeless influence on music and culture worldwide.
