Ringo Starr Told Biopic Director To Change Script: 'We Would Never Do That'

There are currently four Beatles biopics in the works — one for each member — and during an interview with The New York Times Ringo Starr spoke about working with director Sam Mendes for two days on the script for his film. The drummer "offered extensive notes" about his upbringing in Liverpool and his first marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett, and wasn't satisfied with the initial script he read.

“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 admitted. "That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that.’”

Starr was happy with the edits, “but he’ll do what he’s doing,” he said of Mendes, “and I’ll send him peace and love.”

Barry Keoghan is set to play the drummer in his film. Starr's son Zak Starkey recently spoke about the casting in an interview with NME. "The thing about my dad is his personality. He sold The Beatles to America, he’s the one with the charisma," he added. "Pulling that off will be hard. He’s just himself.”

When it came to his thoughts on if Keoghan could play drums like his dad, Starkey didn't mince words. “That’s f**king impossible," he said. "Nobody can play like my dad. Good luck to him, but he’ll be the first guy who can pull it off. My dad’s unique – the greatest rock’n’roll drummer in the world, still. He’s better now than he was then.”

Each Beatles biopic is set to be  released over the course of four weekends in April 2028. In addition to Keoghan playing Starr, Harris Dickinson is set to play John Lennon, Paul Mescal will portray Paul McCartney and Joseph Quinn will play George Harrison.