Barry Keoghan, who has already earned acclaim for his striking performances, is poised to take on a landmark role as Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ anticipated Beatles biopics. Scheduled for release in 2028, the films will explore the legendary band’s story through the eyes of each member, generating both excitement and skepticism worldwide among Beatles enthusiasts. Keoghan Ringo Starr role marks a significant new chapter in the Irish actor’s career.
How Oasis Influenced Keoghan’s Preparation for the Role
Before officially stepping into the shoes of Liverpool’s iconic drummer, Keoghan immersed himself in the music of Oasis, a band heavily inspired by The Beatles. In an interview with Notion, he expressed a deep connection to the Britpop group, whose sound and attitude played a formative part in his upbringing. As a child of the ’90s, their music was ever-present in his household, linking him to working-class roots similar to his own background.
It takes me back to that growing up thing again,
Keoghan explained.
My uncle always played them in the house. These lads have an Irish background. They remind me of the working-class era where I’m from. They are important to me because they inspired me to be myself, especially Liam Gallagher; he reminded me to always be myself, to always stay true to me.
– Barry Keoghan
The Irish Heritage Behind Oasis and Their Connection to Keoghan
Though commonly linked to Manchester, Oasis members Noel and Liam Gallagher are sons of Irish immigrants Peggy and Tommy, hailing from County Mayo and County Meath. Other original bandmates—including Tony McCarroll, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, and Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan—also share Irish lineage. The Gallaghers have fondly recalled their childhood summers in Ireland, underscoring a shared heritage and working-class ethos which resonates with Keoghan’s own background.
‘Supersonic’: A Defining Track for Oasis and Keoghan Alike
When asked about his favorite Oasis song, Keoghan singled out ‘Supersonic,’ the breakthrough single from their debut album Definitely Maybe. This anthem holds significance not only for the band’s rise but also because it was released in Ireland six days ahead of its UK debut, connecting especially well with Keoghan’s homeland. The song contains references to The Beatles, such as a lyrical nod to a yellow submarine, directly illustrating the influence of Liverpool’s Fab Four on Oasis’s music and image.
Oasis’s relationship to The Beatles runs deep, with Liam Gallagher famously claiming to be a reincarnation of John Lennon, despite being born years before Lennon’s death. He also named one of his children ‘Lennon,’ further highlighting this connection. The creation of ‘Supersonic’ was reportedly swift, written in just ten minutes with some influence from substances typically associated with rock bands, adding to the mythos surrounding Oasis.
Keoghan’s Readiness to Embody Ringo Starr Despite Personal Doubts
Armed with a profound respect for the music that inspired The Beatles’ legacy, Keoghan appears well-positioned to bring authenticity to the role of Ringo Starr. Even though his own son has remarked that he doesn’t bear much physical resemblance to the drummer, Keoghan’s engagement with both the music and cultural backdrop of the era suggests a thoughtful and immersive approach to the character.
