08-05-2025
Barry Keoghan reveals Ringo Starr request that he refused
Barry Keoghan has opened up on his meeting with legend Ringo Starr and the one request the Beatles legend had for him.
Earlier in the year, it was confirmed that the Saltburn star would be portraying the 84-year-old in Sam Mendes' upcoming four-part Beatles biopic.
Barry will star in the series alongside Harris Dickinson (John Lennon), Paul Mescal (Paul McCartney) and Joseph Quinn (George Harrison). Barry Keoghan has opened up on his meeting with legend Ringo Starr and the one request the Beatles legend had for him. Pic: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
As preparations for filming get underway, Barry has since revealed he paid a visit to Ringo's house, admitting that he 'froze' when he first came face-to-face with the musician.
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Barry detailed the meeting.
He said: 'I met Ringo the other day. I met him at his house and he played the drums for me. He asked me to play them but I wasn't playing the drums for Ringo.
'It was one of those moments when you're just in awe and [I] just froze.' Earlier in the year, it was confirmed that the Saltburn star would be portraying the 84-year-old in Sam Mendes' upcoming four-part Beatles biopic. Pic: Getty Images
Barry went on to note that despite paying a visit to study the musician's mannerisms, he was unable to look at him.
'I was nervous,' Barry told Jimmy, 'He was like, 'You can look at me,' and it was just, again, I'm playing Ringo Starr. My job is to observe and take in all kind of mannerisms and, you know, studying [him].'
Barry added that he wanted to 'humanise' the former rock star and 'not just imitate.' Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal at CinemaCon 2025 for Sony Pictures at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on March 31, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pic: Eric Charbonneau/Sony Pictures via Getty Images
News of the line-up for the four movies was announced in April when director Mendes and the actors made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
Four movies are set for release with each movie focusing on one member of the band. All four movies will be released in April 2028.
Speaking at the time, Sam said: 'We're not just making a film about the Beatles — we're making four. Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.' @w4it1ngroom i loved saltburn but his accent was terrible #barrykeoghan #thebeatles #ringostarr #beatlesmovie ♬ original sound – cait🪩
While there has been huge excitement surrounding the casting announcement, many have expressed their concerns about Barry's ability to pull off the iconic scouse accent.
Barry previously showcased the accent in the Emerald Fennell blockbuster Saltburn, but his efforts were deemed unsatisfactory by a number of Liverpool natives.
One TikTok user shared a clip of Barry in Saltburn, branding the accent 'terrible', while others took to the comments confused that the accent was even an attempt at Scouse.
'I want to know if any of these 'Accent coaches' have ever been to Liverpool or Merseyside, who signs off on this,' was one of the comments.
