Beatles legend Ringo Starr has revealed his substantial involvement in the upcoming Beatles biopic series directed by Sam Mendes. Starr, who has been closely collaborating with Mendes, shared that he provided “extensive notes” to ensure the authenticity of his portrayal in the film. The biopic, which will feature Barry Keoghan as Starr and Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, is part of a larger project that includes four films set to debut in April 2028.
The announcement of these films, spearheaded by Sony Pictures, has generated significant excitement among Beatles fans worldwide. Starr recently discussed his collaboration with Mendes in an interview with The New York Times, where he detailed his two-day meeting with the director. During this time, Starr meticulously reviewed the screenplay, offering insights into his personal life and his relationship with his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
Ensuring Authenticity in the Beatles Biopic
Starr emphasized the importance of accuracy in the portrayal of his life, stating, “He had a writer – very good writer, great reputation, and he wrote it great, but it had nothing to do with Maureen and I. That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that’.” His commitment to authenticity underscores the significance of personal narratives in biographical films.
Despite his active involvement, Starr expressed some skepticism about the ambitious timeline set for the project. “But he’ll do what he’s doing. And I’ll send him peace and love,” Starr remarked, reflecting on the challenge of completing all four films by 2028.
The Ambitious Vision of Sam Mendes
Sam Mendes, known for his acclaimed work in film and theater, has taken on the formidable task of directing this expansive cinematic project, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. The series aims to explore the individual stories of each Beatles member while highlighting their collective legacy. The tagline, “Each man has his own story, but together they are legendary,” encapsulates the essence of the series.
Starr, who recently celebrated his 84th birthday, has expressed enthusiasm for the project. In a previous interview with People, he stated, “I’m excited that [Sam] has taken the madness of making four movies at the same time. My life as a lad, John’s life, Paul’s life, George’s life, I mean, it must interact in some way.”
Star-Studded Cast and Anticipation
Alongside Mescal and Keoghan, the cast includes Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. The ensemble of talented actors has heightened anticipation for the films, which promise to offer fresh perspectives on the lives of the iconic band members.
“There’ll be Beatles in mine around when I joined, and there’ll be Beatles in Paul’s. We’ll all be there. So I’m excited to see what he does with it.” – Ringo Starr
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the Biopic Series
While details about the release schedule remain undisclosed, fans are eager to see how the films will be distributed. Whether they will debut simultaneously or roll out weekly throughout April is yet to be determined. The project represents a significant undertaking in the realm of music biopics, potentially setting a new standard for storytelling in the genre.
As the world awaits the release of these films, the collaboration between Ringo Starr and Sam Mendes highlights the importance of authentic storytelling in capturing the essence of cultural icons. The series not only promises to entertain but also to deepen the understanding of The Beatles’ enduring legacy.
