Ringo Starr Collaborates with Sam Mendes on Beatles Biopic

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Ringo Starr, the drummer of the iconic band The Beatles, revealed his significant involvement in the upcoming biopic directed by Sam Mendes. The film, which aims to portray Starr's personal and professional experiences, has been under meticulous scrutiny by the musician himself. Over the course of two days, Starr and Mendes worked closely to refine the script, ensuring that it accurately reflects the realities of Starr's life and his relationship with his late first wife, Maureen.

Starr emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, 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.'" This collaborative effort underscores the artist's desire for the film to resonate truthfully with audiences, illustrating the complexities of his life rather than relying on dramatized portrayals.

After extensive discussions and script revisions, Starr expressed satisfaction with the direction the project is taking, remarking, "He’ll do what he’s doing, and I’ll send him peace and love." The film is one of four biopics focusing on each member of The Beatles, with Barry Keoghan cast as Starr. Keoghan described his own nervousness when meeting Starr, stating, "It was sort of one of those moments where you’re in awe and you’re just frozen." He added the importance of capturing the essence of Starr's character through his performance, aiming to humanize the legendary drummer rather than merely imitate him.

The biopics, which include portrayals of Paul McCartney by Paul Mescal, John Lennon by Harris Dickinson, and George Harrison by Joseph Quinn, are set to premiere in theaters in April 2028. The decision to create individual films for each member of the band highlights not only the lasting legacy of The Beatles but also the continued interest in their personal stories and contributions to music history. As the film approaches its release date, the collaboration between Starr and Mendes sets a precedent for how biographical films can incorporate firsthand insights from the subjects themselves, potentially enhancing their authenticity and emotional depth.