After a string of successful biopics focused on the life and times of music legends like Elton John and Freddie Mercury, it was only a matter of time before someone brought the story of The Beatles – the most successful act in the history of the US Billboard charts – to the silver screen.
That time finally came in February 2024, when Sony announced that it would be producing a series of four biopics, each focused on a different member of the Fab Four, to be directed by “American Beauty” director Sam Mendes.
During a March 2025 appearance at CinemaCon, Mendes confirmed the actors who would be bringing the Beatles to life in what he called “the first bingeable theatrical experience.” English actors Harris Dickinson (“Beach Rats”) and Joseph Quinn (“Stranger Things”) will portray late-Beatles stars John Lennon and George Harrison, respectively, while the roles of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will be portrayed by Irish actors Paul Mescal (“Normal People”) and Barry Keoghan (“Saltburn”).
Now, months after the cast announcement, Starr – as one of the last living Beatles — has revealed that he gave Mendes “extensive notes” on the forthcoming project ahead of its projected April 2028 premiere.
Ringo Picks Apart Early Biopic Script: ‘That’s Not How We Were’
In an interview with The New York Times, Starr, now 84, opened up about his critiques for his portrayal in a script for the upcoming film, particularly when it came to his relationship with his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
“[Mendes] had a writer – very good writer, great reputation, and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I,” Starr explained. “That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We’d never do that.”
GettyStarr and Tigrett tied the knot in 1965, just one year after the Beatles rose to international stardom. Before their eventual divorce in 1975, the couple welcomed three children together, including famous drummer Zak Starkey.
Despite his initial concerns with the script, Starr added that he is now happy with how his family and relationship are portrayed in the upcoming biopic, due in no small part to a two-day brainstorming session he had with Mendes.
While Starr admitted to offering the director “extensive notes” on the upcoming project, he added that he can’t control every aspect of the film.
“[Mendes]’ll do what he’s doing,” Starr said. “And I’ll send him peace and love.”
Barry Keoghan to Play Ringo Starr in Upcoming Biopic
In spite of script revisions, Starr previously admitted that he’s “excited” to see himself and his bandmates brought to life on screen. Prior to the casting announcement, Starr even voiced his support for Barry Keoghan to play him in the upcoming film.
“I think he’s great,” the star told Entertainment Tonight in March.
GettyKeoghan, known for his roles in projects like “The Batman”, “The Banshees of Inisheerin” and “Saltburn,” has since revealed that he’s been working closely with the drummer to prepare for the role.
“I met Ringo the other day,” said Keoghan during a May appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “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.”
“It was sort of just one of those moments where you’re just in awe and you’re just frozen,” he added.
Despite his nerves about playing in front of the legendary drummer, Keoghan has reportedly been taking drumming lessons to prepare for the role.
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Ringo Starr Offers Sam Mendes ‘Extensive Notes’ on Upcoming Beatles Biopic