Barry Keoghan has described filming the upcoming Beatles biopics as “incredible”, saying the huge production still carries the spirit of an independent film as he prepares to portray legendary drummer Ringo Starr.
The Dublin actor, 33, stars in Sam Mendes’ ambitious project The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, alongside fellow Irish star Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Paul Mendes' Beatles biopic will feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.
The four interconnected films, which are scheduled for release in April 2028, will each tell the story of one member of the band from their own perspective — marking the first time a scripted Beatles biopic has been made with the full approval of the surviving members and the estates of those who have died.
Speaking to Deadline, Keoghan said the atmosphere on set has been surprisingly intimate despite the scale of the production.
“It’s going incredible,” he said.
“It’s such a big family out there, and it’s such a big movie, but it has that indie soul to it, where I’m feeling super safe to reach and bring forward the most vulnerable truths and the most… just really dig deep with the performance as Ringo.”
@entertainmenttonight Barry Keoghan takes a break from filming 'The Beatles' to talk 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' — but we had to ask how he's adjusting to that Ringo Starr hair #barrykeoghan #thebeatles #ringostarr #peakyblinderstheimmortalman ♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight
The actor also praised Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, describing him as both a mentor and part of a close-knit creative team.
“Sam is such a legend and family now, and everyone’s family out there,” he said.
“It’s such a tight, lovely group, and I’m learning lots by watching Sam and by watching Greig on the camera and getting back into my photography as well.”
Keoghan was referring to acclaimed cinematographer Greig Fraser, whose previous work includes Dune, The Batman and Zero Dark Thirty.
“And I’ve got the best DOP in the world beside me to learn from,” he added.
The actor has also spoken emotionally about filming in Liverpool, where The Beatles first formed before becoming one of the most influential music acts in history.
Speaking previously to Entertainment Tonight, Keoghan admitted being deeply moved while working in the city. “It’s absolute joy. We’re up in Liverpool filming now, so that’s sort of a thing in itself. The feeling and the response up there — it’s beautiful. It hits you every time.”
@grapherazzi Liverpool turning back time… 🎬🥁 Beatles biopic filming in progress with Barry Keoghan filming as Ringo Starr #B#BeatlesBiopicB#BarryKeoghanR#RingoStarrliverpool #fyp ♬ suara asli ||| BARU BELAJAR NGONTEN - Wafee
He recalled becoming emotional after passing the famous Beatles statue on the city’s waterfront. “I was going on a job in Liverpool and I came across the four lads in the statue along the docks,” he said. “I’m very emotional about it. And sort of like, wanting to do them well and justice.”
The project has assembled one of the most high-profile casts in recent memory. Alongside the four actors portraying the band members, Saoirse Ronan will play Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai has been cast as Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood will portray Pattie Boyd, and Mia McKenna-Bruce takes on the role of Maureen Starkey.
Meanwhile, Paul Mescal has admitted he is still “processing” the reality of portraying Paul McCartney, especially after receiving what he described as the music icon’s blessing.
“It’s a huge gift that the four of us are getting to step into their lives, access the music and the Beatles estates themselves, it’s pretty special,” Mescal said previously. “It’s an unbelievable privilege to have what feels like his blessing. I just can’t believe it.”
@entertainmenttonight Paul Mescal is still processing that he received Paul McCartney's blessing for 'The Beatles' biopic. #paulmescal #paulmccartney #beatles ♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight
The Maynooth actor has also confirmed he will perform his own singing in the films.
“I’ve learned so much. It’s really inspired a love,” he told British GQ. I’ve always loved music, but getting to play one of the great songwriters and great frontmen has really lit a fire in terms of personally writing music and engaging and hearing music in a different way.”
Mescal added that spending time with McCartney himself has made the experience even more surreal. “He’s the most brilliant man. I feel emotionally attached to him. He received me with great kindness and warmth,” he said.
The scale of the production is unprecedented in music biopics. Rather than condensing the story of the band into a single film, Mendes is developing four separate but interconnected movies, each exploring events through the eyes of one Beatle.
The films will revisit the band’s rise from Liverpool clubs to global superstardom, including the cultural explosion of “Beatlemania” that transformed modern music in the 1960s.
For Keoghan, the responsibility of portraying Ringo Starr is clearly not being taken lightly.
“My job is to observe… but I want to humanise him and bring feelings to it, not just imitate,” he has said previously.
With production continuing in Liverpool and anticipation already building worldwide, the project is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched film events of the decade.
