On July 4, 2025, Sir Ringo Starr revealed that he has been actively contributing detailed notes to Sir Sam Mendes regarding the director’s ambitious Sam Mendes Beatles biopic project. Mendes is creating four separate films, each focusing on a different member of the legendary band, and Starr’s input has been significant, particularly about his own family life and past relationships.
Insights into Personal Life Shaping the Biopic
Mendes’ portrayal of Ringo’s life initially included inaccuracies related to his relationship with his first wife, Maureen. Starr shared with the New York Times that the original script, penned by a respected writer, did not reflect their true story. He remarked,
“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.’”
This led Ringo to provide extensive feedback to ensure authenticity.
Challenges and Optimism About the Film’s Production Timeline
Although Mendes has pledged to complete all four films by 2028, Starr expressed some uncertainty about whether this timeline is achievable. Despite this, he remains supportive of Mendes’ efforts and maintains a positive outlook, stating,
“But he’ll do what he’s doing. And I’ll send him peace and love.”
Ringo Starr’s Excitement and Perspective on the Project
Ringo described Mendes’ plan to create four simultaneous movies as “madness” but admitted to being eager to see how the stories are told. He acknowledged the complexity of capturing multiple perspectives and how the lives of the band members inevitably intertwine throughout the films. As Starr explained to People magazine,
“I’m excited that [Sam] has taken the madness of making four movies at the same time.”
He further noted,
“There’ll be Beatles in mine around when I joined, and there’ll be Beatles in Paul’s. We’ll all be there. So I’m excited to see what he does with it.”
Sam Mendes’ Vision and Industry Reception
Sam Mendes unveiled his plan for the Beatles biopic series in 2024. The filmmaker personally pitched the project in Los Angeles, where it received enthusiastic support. Mendes highlighted the key role of Sony executives Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler in backing the films, with Mendes telling Deadline,
“The reason Sony stood out from competing offers was down to [Sony’s Tom Rothman and Elizabeth Gabler’s] passion for the idea, and commitment to propelling these films theatrically in an innovative and exciting way.”
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Mendes’ Beatles Biopics
The involvement of Ringo Starr and the dedication Mendes has shown suggest that this biopic series will offer a deep, multidimensional portrayal of The Beatles. By exploring each band member’s life individually while highlighting their interconnected stories, the films promise to provide fans with a thoughtful and detailed perspective on the iconic group. As the project progresses, audiences will be keen to witness how Mendes balances ambition and authenticity in bringing the Beatles’ legacy to the big screen.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Sam Mendes’s early life?
A. Mendes grew up in London. His mom, who wrote stories for kids, and his dad, a university professor, split up when he was five. At the University of Cambridge, Mendes started a theater group with playwright Tim Firth.
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. Is the movie “1917” based on a true story?
The film “1917” is inspired by events from World War I. It draws on stories told by the director’s grandfather, who served in the war. Although it includes historical elements for realism, the plot and characters are fictional.
