Who wouldn’t be excited to hear that a biopic on the iconic English rock band The Beatles is in the making! Adding to the thrill, Ringo Starr himself spilled the beans, saying that Oscar nominated Irish actor Barry Keoghan will be playing the drummer on screen.
Speaking in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, legendary musician and songwriter Sir Richard Starkey said that Barry – who is best known for his performance in Saltburn (2023), The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) and Dunkirk (2017), among others – will play him in director-screenwriter Sam Mendes’ ambitious new project, which includes a set of films about The Beatles. All the films are expected to be released in 2027.
Formed in Liverpool in 1960, the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The Beatles are often regarded as ‘the most influential band of all time’. According to the 84-year-old musician, “it’s great” that Barry will be essaying his character in the upcoming biopic. “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many,” he added.
The project is said to consist of four films, each elaborating on the respective bandmate’s perspective. Commenting on the biopic filmmaker Sam – who has helmed movies like American Beauty (1999), Revolutionary Road (2008), Skyfall (2012) and 1917 (2019) – said, “I’m honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”
Although the casting details are yet to be officially confirmed, Gladiator II star Paul Mescal may clinch the role of Paul McCartney, while The Triangle of Sadness actor Harris Dickinson has been speculated to be seen as John Lennon.
In other news, Barry is set to co-star alongside Academy Award winner Cilian Murphy in Netflix’s upcoming Peaky Blinders film.
