Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, recently opened up about his involvement in the upcoming biopics about the iconic band. In an interview with The New York Times, he shared insights into the creative process and the changes he requested from director Sam Mendes to ensure an authentic portrayal of his life and relationships.
At 84 years old, Starr remains deeply connected to his past and the legacy of The Beatles. He spent two days with Mendes, offering “extensive notes” on the script for the films, which are set to explore the lives of each band member from their unique perspectives. Starr emphasized that he wanted the portrayal of his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett, to reflect their true relationship. He expressed concern that the original script did not accurately represent how they interacted with each other. “He had a writer — a very good writer with a 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 would never do that.’”
Starr’s feedback highlights his desire for authenticity in storytelling, especially when it comes to personal relationships that shaped his life. He is now satisfied with the direction the script has taken after reviewing it line by line with Mendes.
The biopics, which are set to be released in 2027, will feature a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Each film will focus on the individual stories of the band members, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their lives and the dynamics that defined The Beatles.
Keoghan, who has been cast as Starr, recently shared his experience meeting the legendary drummer. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” he admitted feeling nervous when he visited Starr at his home. “It was sort of one of those moments where you’re in awe and you’re just frozen,” Keoghan recalled. He expressed his determination to not only imitate Starr but to humanize him and bring depth to his character.
Starr’s excitement for the films is palpable. He praised Mendes for taking on the ambitious project of creating four films simultaneously, acknowledging the challenges involved. “I’m excited that [Mendes] has taken the madness of making four movies at the same time,” he told People in May.
As anticipation builds for these biopics, fans of The Beatles can look forward to a fresh perspective on the band’s history. With Starr’s input and the talented cast, the films promise to honor the legacy of one of the most influential bands in music history while providing an intimate look at the lives of its members.
In addition to the biopics, Starr continues to engage with fans and share his love for music. His enduring passion for creativity and storytelling resonates with audiences, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
As the release date approaches, fans are eager to see how Starr’s vision and experiences will shape the narrative of The Beatles’ remarkable journey. With Mendes at the helm and a talented cast ready to bring these stories to life, the biopics are poised to be a significant addition to the legacy of The Beatles and their impact on music and culture.