Ringo Starr told Sam Mendes to rewrite parts of Beatles biopics: “We would never do that”

3 July, 2025

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr on stage together at The O2 in London

The Beatles’ Ringo Starr told director Sam Mendes to change parts of the script for the upcoming Beatles biopic.

Sam Mendes will make four upcoming Beatles films and earlier this year, it was revealed that the Fab Four will be portrayed by Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn. Dickinson will play John Lennon, Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Keoghan will play Ringo Starr and Quinn will play George Harrison.

As per the New York Times, Starr worked with Mendes for two days to go over the scripts for the drummer’s individual film.

They report that Starr “offered extensive notes” to Mendes to ensure it was an accurate reflection of his life – particularly of his childhood growing up in Liverpool and of his first marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett.

Starr told the outlet: “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.’”

After the edits, Starr said he was satisfied. The films are expected to be released in early 2028.

“But he’ll do what he’s doing,” he said of Mendes, “and I’ll send him peace and love.”

Ringo Starr himself confirmed that Barry Keoghan was cast as him in the film ahead of the official announcement earlier this year.

The official announcement came after reports claimed that Quinn (Stranger Things) would be playing the late George Harrison.

Prior to that, Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott claimed that Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney in the film and last year, it was reported that Mendes had cast the two actors, along with Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Charlie Rowe for the role of Harrison.

Rowe is now seemingly not involved in the film, though he could appear as someone else. The films were first announced back in February last year.

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