Drumming News
Ringo Starr has sparked further speculation about Barry Keoghan’s potential casting as the iconic drummer in the upcoming Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Starr shared his thoughts on the rumors that Keoghan, the Irish actor known for Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, would portray him in the Starr-centric film.
“I think he’s great. I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many,” Starr joked, suggesting that Keoghan is preparing for the role by learning to play the drums—a key part of portraying Ringo. Although this comment adds weight to the ongoing rumors, a source close to the production later told Rolling Stone that no official casting deals have been confirmed, despite Starr’s remarks.
If Keoghan is indeed cast as Ringo Starr, it would mark a significant milestone in his career, positioning him as the lead in one of the most highly anticipated projects in Hollywood. Known for his standout performances in films like Saltburn and the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, Keoghan’s involvement would undoubtedly attract attention, given the legendary status of the Beatles and the cultural impact of their story.
The biopic, which will consist of four feature-length films, is a unique approach to telling the Beatles’ story. Instead of a traditional, all-encompassing biographical narrative, the films will each focus on a different member of the band—Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Directed by Sam Mendes, who is best known for American Beauty and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, the movies will each explore the band’s history from the perspective of its individual members. Each film will be released theatrically in 2027.
Sony Pictures announced the ambitious project earlier this year, with Mendes at the helm and the full cooperation of the surviving Beatles. In a statement, Mendes expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “I’m honored 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.”
Despite the growing buzz around the films, casting rumors have swirled for months, with actors like Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson also rumored to be in consideration for roles as McCartney and Lennon. However, as of now, there are no official confirmations regarding the rest of the cast.
The Beatles’ enduring legacy continues to captivate fans worldwide, with the band’s influence still felt more than five decades after their break-up. Just recently, they earned a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year with “Now And Then”, the last song ever created by the band, which was made using artificial intelligence to extract vocals from a 1970s demo by John Lennon.
As for the Ringo Starr biopic, fans will have to wait for further announcements from the studio to confirm whether Barry Keoghan will indeed take on the role of the beloved drummer. But with Ringo’s endorsement, the possibility is looking more likely by the day.
Sources Rolling Stone & CNN
