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Barry Keoghan is set to take on one of his most high-profile roles yet, cast as Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part BEATLES biopic series. The project marks a significant milestone in Keoghan’s rapidly expanding career, which has seen him transition from indie darling to mainstream Hollywood sensation.
Keoghan has been making waves in the music world beyond acting. He recently appeared in Sabrina Carpenter’s PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE music video and was featured in Fontaines D.C.’s music video for BUG, which used footage from Andrea Arnold’s film BIRD. Reflecting on these appearances, Keoghan told IndieWire, “I seem to be in music videos everywhere.”
In what could be his most transformative role to date, Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ innovative film series. The project has already garnered significant attention, with Starr himself endorsing the casting. “I think it’s great,” Starr told Entertainment Tonight, adding a playful note about Keoghan potentially taking drum lessons.
The ambitious film project will consist of four separate movies, each focusing on a different Beatles member. Mendes will direct all four films, which are set to “intersect” and tell the band’s story from multiple perspectives. The first installment is scheduled for a 2027 theatrical release.
The casting comes with full life-story and music rights granted by Starr, Paul McCartney, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison, highlighting the project’s significance.
This role continues Keoghan’s impressive trajectory, following standout performances in critically acclaimed films like BANSHEES OF INISHERIN and SALTBURN. The BEATLES biopic represents another bold step for an actor known for taking on challenging and transformative roles.
While details about the film are still emerging, with other potential castings like Paul Mescal still rumored, Keoghan’s involvement has already generated significant excitement. As Mendes stated, the project aims to “challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.”