Ringo Starr actively sought changes to the script for his depiction in the much-anticipated project by Sam Mendes, who is directing a landmark four-part Beatles biopic, ensuring greater accuracy regarding his personal history. The adjustments to the script for Starr’s individual film highlight how Sam Mendes Beatles biopic script changes came about before the film’s expected release in 2028.
Ringo Starr’s Role in Shaping His Story
Director Sam Mendes is taking an ambitious approach by splitting The Beatles biopic into four separate films, with each movie centering on one member, and Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn set to play John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison respectively. It was reported that Ringo Starr collaborated intensively with Mendes over two days to meticulously review the script focusing on his life, particularly episodes from his early years in Liverpool and his marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
According to The New York Times, Starr contributed extensive notes to Mendes, emphasizing the need for authenticity in portraying his experiences. He openly critiqued certain parts of the script in order to prevent inaccuracies about his relationships and personal history from appearing on screen. In discussing his reactions to the existing draft, Starr said,
“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.’”
—Ringo Starr, Drummer
Casting Updates and Film Details
Barry Keoghan is taking on the role of Ringo Starr, as confirmed by Starr himself even before the official cast announcement. The remaining main cast includes Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney. There had been earlier reports of Charlie Rowe possibly appearing in the films, but his involvement now seems unlikely, though he may feature in a different capacity if added later.
The four interlinked films are scheduled to hit theaters in April 2028, and the cinematic event has already generated anticipation for its scope and casting. Sony Pictures officially promoted the event as
“The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes. Harris Dickinson (John Lennon) Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney) Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr) Joseph Quinn (George Harrison) In theatres April 2028. #TheBeatlesFourFilmCinematicEvent.”
Final Edits and Ringo’s Thoughts
After reviewing his portion of the script and suggesting several amendments, Ringo Starr expressed satisfaction with the edits that were made. While he offered his perspective, Starr acknowledged Mendes’ creative direction, stating,
“But he’ll do what he’s doing,”
and followed up by adding,
“and I’ll send him peace and love.”
—Ringo Starr, Drummer
Looking Ahead to the Release
The Sam Mendes Beatles biopic script changes, spurred on by Ringo Starr’s involvement, aim to provide a more faithful representation of The Beatles and their legacy. With filming underway and a notable cast in place, the films are on track for their joint release in early 2028. Fans will be watching closely to see how Mendes balances creative vision with the input from surviving band members, and how this cinematic event captures the story of one of music’s most influential groups.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Sam Mendes’s early life?
A. Mendes grew up in London. His mother, who wrote books for children, raised him after his parents separated when he was five years old. His father taught at a university. Later, Mendes went to the University of Cambridge. While studying there, he started a theater group with Tim Firth, who was a playwright.
Q. Is 1917 based on a true story? Yes, is the short answer, but only with some judicious use of artistic license. Director and writer Sam Mendes was inspired to write 1917 as a war film after recalling stories told to him by his grandfather Alfred Mendez.
A. The movie “1917” is not an exact retelling of real events. However, it was inspired by stories that director Sam Mendes heard from his grandfather, who served in World War I. While the characters and missions in the film are fictional, the story is influenced by real historical experiences. The movie aims to show what soldiers went through during the war, even if the events did not happen exactly as shown.
