S Poddar
The fans are thrilled with the new piece of information that Ringo Starr has recently revealed regarding Sam Mendes’s upcoming Beatles biopic. The legendary drummer seemed to confirm in a conversation with Entertainment Tonight that Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor known for his roles in Dunkirk and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, will be playing him in the film.
This new biopic is part of a bigger four-film project, exploring the lives of each member of The Beatles from their own perspective. It’s a momentous moment because this will be the first time Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of the late John Lennon and George Harrison have ever given their consent for a film that includes their full life stories and the iconic music that defined their careers.
During the interview, Starr appeared to confirm the long-standing rumor that Keoghan would be playing the role of the drummer in this biographical series. When asked about it, Starr enthusiastically responded, “Well, I think it’s great, and I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons.” His comment gave an air of certainty to what had been a topic of speculation.
Keoghan’s casting in such a pivotal role highlights the rising star power of the actor, who has been gaining recognition since 2017. That year, he appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, a war epic that garnered widespread acclaim. Later, his performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer alongside Colin Farrell marked a significant moment in his career. Keoghan’s acting talent was cemented in 2022 when he appeared in Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin, for which he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2023 Academy Awards. As Starr spoke about the casting, it was evident that he had positive feelings about the choice. “I think it’s great,” he said, smiling and then adding with a grin, “I hope not too many” when the interviewer jokingly expressed concern over the intensity of Keoghan’s drum training.
The legendary musician also shared a memorable anecdote about teaching his son, Zak Starkey, how to drum.
“I gave that lesson to my son, he was 10, and I said I’ll give you another lesson,” Starr recalled. He then showed Zak a beat, tapping his knees to it, explaining that he’d passed along a certain rhythm to Zak when he was younger. When his son confidently responded that he could handle it, Starr responded jokingly, “You’re on your own.” Starr’s words hinted at his belief that a musician should find their own rhythm rather than being overburdened by excessive lessons. “You’ve got to let them get their own feel,” he explained, emphasizing that an aspiring drummer’s ability to experiment and develop their unique style is more valuable than rigid instruction.
As the film continues, fans are eager to know how Keoghan would play the famous drummer and his take on Starr’s life is going to be presented along with those of his bandmates.
The biopic directed by Sam Mendes will offer a fresh and personal view of the lives of The Beatles. With the involvement of members who survived and the families of Lennon and Harrison, one can see that the following films will be one of the most comprehensive and true explorations of the history of the band ever created. The announcement has already created excitement within the entertainment world, especially in light of the iconic stature of The Beatles’ legacy. Starr’s casual, yet incisive comment on Keoghan’s preparation for this role only heightens curiosity over the film. Moviegoers and critics will be watching intently how the film would capture not only Starr’s contribution to the legacy of The Beatles but how the band transformed music and culture.
Keoghan’s casting adds another layer of excitement to what is already one of the most highly anticipated projects in the film industry. Given the scale of this multi-film venture and the star-studded talent involved, the forthcoming Beatles biopic promises to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the greatest music acts in history.
