While many actors rarely get the chance to meet the real-life figures they portray in films, Barry Keoghan (known for his role in Saltburn) had the unique opportunity to spend time with Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles. Keoghan is cast to embody Starr in the upcoming cinematic series titled The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event. He will be joined by talented actors such as Harris Dickinson from Babygirl as John Lennon, Paul Mescal from Gladiator II as Paul McCartney, and Joseph Quinn from The Fantastic Four: First Steps as George Harrison.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Keoghan excitedly shared his experience meeting Ringo Starr after landing the role. He described the encounter, stating, “It was one of those moments where you’re just in awe and just froze,” revealing his overwhelming excitement. “And when I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him. I was nervous, like right now. He said, ‘You can look at me.’ And again — you’re playing Ringo Starr. My job is to observe and take in kind of mannerisms and study, but I want to humanize him and bring feelings to him, not just sort of imitate him.” Keoghan’s desire to accurately portray the legendary musician reflects his commitment to understanding the intricacies of his character.

In an intriguing twist, Keoghan mentioned that during their meeting, Ringo Starr even showcased his drumming skills. Keoghan recalled, “I met him at his house and he played the drums for me,” highlighting the personal nature of their encounter. He humorously added, “He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.” This playful exchange showcases the camaraderie between the actor and the iconic musician.

Recently, it was announced that Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan, and Jack Thorne have been appointed to write the scripts for The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event. While the specifics of their contributions remain uncertain, it’s unclear whether each writer will handle a different film or if they will work collaboratively across all four installments, adding a diverse creative flair to the project.

Partnering with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sam Mendes’ production company, Neal Street Productions, is set to bring this cinematic vision to life. This marks a historic moment as it’s the first time that Apple Corps Ltd. and the surviving members of The Beatles—Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, along with the families of John Lennon and George Harrison—have granted the extensive life story and music rights for a scripted film series. Mendes has committed to directing all four movies, with each film focusing on a different member of the iconic band.

During CinemaCon last month, Mendes introduced the cast and shared his long-standing desire to create a film about The Beatles. He mentioned he had been “trying to do a [Beatles] film for years” but ultimately decided against it because “the story was too big for one film.” He also expressed doubts about whether a television series would adequately capture the essence of the band’s journey. “There had to be a way to tell the epic story for a new generation,” Mendes explained. “I can assure you there is still plenty left to explore and I think we found a way to do that.” His insights reflect a deep understanding of the band’s impact and legacy.

Fans can expect to see The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event hit theaters in April 2028, promising to be a significant cinematic achievement chronicling the lives of one of the most influential bands in music history.