Title: Ringo Starr Pushes for Accuracy in Beatles Biopic: “That’s Not How We Were”
In the world of rock and roll, few names carry the enduring resonance of Ringo Starr. And while the iconic Beatles drummer is famously known for his easygoing nature and signature motto “peace and love,” that didn’t stop him from speaking up when it came to how his life would be portrayed on screen in the highly anticipated Beatles biopic series by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes.
The groundbreaking project, first announced in 2024, will consist of four separate films—each centered around a different member of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Scheduled for a simultaneous release in April 2028, the films aim to explore the individual lives, perspectives, and legacies of the Fab Four. Playing the role of Starr is rising Irish actor Barry Keoghan, best known for his performances in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin.
But Starr, 84, recently revealed in an interview with The New York Times that he had to step in to ensure the script got his story right—particularly when it came to his personal life and his relationship with his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
“He had a writer — very good writer, great reputation, and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I,” Starr said candidly. “That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that.’”
Starr and Maureen married in 1965 at the height of Beatlemania and divorced a decade later. The couple shared three children: Zak (a drummer in his own right who played with The Who), Jason, and Lee. The drummer emphasized that their dynamic was misrepresented in early drafts of the script and insisted on changes to reflect the truth of their bond.
Starr reportedly spent two full days with Mendes, providing “extensive notes” and combing through the screenplay line-by-line to ensure authenticity. After his deep involvement, he now feels more comfortable with the film’s depiction of his life.
Still, Ringo isn’t completely sold on the massive scale of Mendes’ vision. He expressed skepticism about the ambitious plan to release all four films at once in 2028.
“I just don’t know how he’s going to pull it off,” Starr admitted.
The director’s vision, however, is bold and unprecedented. Mendes, speaking at CinemaCon earlier this year, described the series as a chance to tell the same iconic story from four radically different viewpoints, highlighting the individuality and complexity of each band member.
“To have the opportunity to explore the Beatles as four distinct characters, each with their own truths and contradictions—that’s what excites me,” Mendes said during his presentation.
Alongside Keoghan as Starr, the star-studded cast includes Paul Mescal (Aftersun) as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson (Where the Crawdads Sing) as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) as George Harrison. The project’s writing team is equally elite, with contributions from Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari), Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and Jack Thorne (Enola Holmes).
Keoghan, who has already met Starr in person, recounted the unforgettable experience on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in May. During their meeting, Ringo—ever the showman—played the drums for him.
“He asked me to play,” Keoghan recalled, laughing, “but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
Keoghan’s casting was first let slip by Starr himself last year, long before any official announcement. The Beatle praised the young actor’s potential and humorously noted that Keoghan had better not take too many drum lessons.
The biopic project is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and personal cinematic retellings of a rock band’s legacy. With Starr’s direct input helping to fine-tune the accuracy of his portrayal, fans can expect a version of his life that goes deeper than public perception—a reflection of the man behind the music, and a legacy forged not only in chart-topping hits but also in love, family, and honesty.
As 2028 approaches, Beatles fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this historic film release. And thanks to Ringo Starr, one thing is clear: his story will be told on his own terms.
