Barry Keoghan's Striking Transformation into Ringo Starr for Beatles Biopic
Irish actor Barry Keoghan has been fully transformed into the iconic drummer Ringo Starr, as he was recently spotted filming scenes for the highly anticipated Beatles biopic. The 33-year-old performer joins an impressive ensemble cast that includes Paul Mescal portraying Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson taking on the role of John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn embodying George Harrison.
Authentic Recreation of Ringo's Signature Style
During Saturday's filming session, Keoghan looked remarkably similar to the legendary musician, whose birth name is Sir Richard Starkey. The actor wore an oversized fur jacket layered over a distinctive striped purple shirt, complemented by cropped trousers that perfectly captured the retro aesthetic of the era. To complete the transformation, Keoghan grew out a beard and styled his hair in Ringo's classic shaggy cut, adding sunglasses for the final touch while filming various scenes.
Historic Filming Location at Abbey Road Studios
The Daily Mail has confirmed that the Beatles biopics are being filmed at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios, with production having commenced in November of last year. This development comes despite earlier reports suggesting that filming plans might have been obstructed. Initially, there were concerns that Westminster Council would not permit filming at the famous zebra crossing featured on the Beatles' 1969 album cover.
However, the council has since clarified to The Daily Mail that they are actively collaborating with production teams to facilitate the filming process, which will involve temporary road closures. Director Sam Mendes, who is helming the ambitious project, had specifically expressed interest in recreating the historic album cover at the crossing location.
Unprecedented Access to Beatles Legacy
This cinematic endeavor represents a groundbreaking moment, as it marks the first time that Apple Corps Ltd and The Beatles—including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison—have granted comprehensive life story and music rights for a scripted film production. Mendes described the project as the "first binge-able theatrical experience" during his appearance at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas last April, an event attended by the cast members.
Cast Preparation and Personal Encounters
Ringo Starr himself previously hinted at Keoghan's involvement in the role, telling Entertainment Tonight: "I believe he's somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many." In a revealing personal anecdote, Keoghan recently admitted that during his first meeting with the Beatles legend, he was so overwhelmed with nerves that he struggled to maintain eye contact, describing the encounter as "lovely" but intensely star-struck on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Meanwhile, director Sir Ridley Scott disclosed that leading actor Paul Mescal was joining the Beatles project while promoting his film Gladiator II, noting that Mescal was "actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next" and might therefore be unavailable for subsequent collaborations.
Project Structure and Historical Perspective
Officially titled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, the project was announced last year with a unique narrative approach. Each film will adopt the perspective of an individual band member, tracing their journey from relative obscurity in Liverpool during the early 1960s to achieving global superstardom, culminating with their eventual breakup in 1970. This represents the first instance where the surviving Beatles members and the families of the deceased members have authorized feature films about their lives and careers.
Mendes has also highlighted the inclusion of significant female figures in the Beatles' story, stating: "Maureen, Linda, Yoko and Pattie are four fascinating and unique figures in their own right, and I'm thrilled that we've managed to persuade four of the most talented women working in film today to join this amazing adventure."
