In a time when legendary lives are often repackaged through the lens of others, Ringo Starr has chosen not to sit back and watch. At 84, the former Beatles drummer is making sure his own story is told with care and accuracy, as director Sam Mendes brings an ambitious Beatles biopic project to life.
Mendes, known for films that dig deep into human emotion, is creating something never done before: four separate feature films, each one centered on a member of The Beatles. It’s a sprawling cinematic tapestry that promises to reintroduce the band to a new generation. But when early versions of the script for Starr’s chapter reached him, something didn’t sit right.
The drafts, according to sources close to the production, took a few liberties, especially in how they portrayed his relationship with his first wife, Maureen Starkey. Rather than allow mischaracterizations to cement themselves in popular memory, Starr stepped in. Over two days in London, he worked directly with Mendes to reshape the script. Their sessions weren’t about polishing Starr’s image; they were about capturing the full truth, with all its tenderness, trials, and texture. No rockstar myths. Just life, as it was.
By the end of the process, Ringo Starr was pleased. He offered his signature “peace and love” not as a catchphrase, but as a heartfelt thank-you, a quiet sign of approval from a man who’s never sought the spotlight, but has always commanded respect.
Stepping into Starr’s shoes on screen is Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor celebrated for his raw, emotional performances. Determined to get it right, Keoghan has been immersing himself in Starr’s life, both behind the drum kit and offstage. The two have met, and in true Ringo fashion, he offered a bit of good-humored advice: don’t just focus on the drumming, find the soul.
That soul is something Keoghan is working hard to embody, and it’s clear that Starr sees the potential in him. Giving his personal blessing to the casting adds another layer of authenticity to a project already steeped in legacy.
Joining Keoghan are Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn, who will portray Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison, respectively. With Apple Corps backing the project and full access to The Beatles’ legendary music catalogue, the films are set to offer a level of creative access few music biopics have ever achieved. The release is slated for 2028.
Still, while the scale of the production and its star-studded cast are impressive, it’s Ringo’s involvement that feels most poignant. At a time when so many public figures are reduced to headlines and hearsay, he’s gently but firmly reclaiming his own story.