Barry Keoghan Unveils Ringo Starr–Inspired Look Ahead of Ambitious Beatles Biopic

The Saltburn star embraces a ’60s mop top as preparation continues for Sam Mendes’ four-film cinematic event

Barry Keoghan has officially gone full Beatle. The Saltburn actor has debuted a classic 1960s-era mop-top hairstyle, offering fans their first glimpse of his transformation into Ringo Starr for director Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated Beatles biopic project.

Keoghan will portray the iconic drummer in one of four interconnected films—each told from the perspective of a different member of the Fab Four. His film centers on Starr, one of two surviving Beatles alongside Paul McCartney, who will be portrayed by Paul Mescal. The sweeping project, described by Mendes as a “four-film cinematic event,” aims to collectively tell “the story of the greatest band in history.”

The ensemble cast brings together Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, who was tragically murdered in December 1980, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, who died of cancer in November 2001. The ambitious series is scheduled to debut simultaneously in theaters in April 2028, following its official announcement at ComicCon 2025.

Keoghan’s newly revealed mop top—instantly recognizable to fans of the Come Together rockers—marks a visible milestone in his preparation. The actor has been open about the extensive work behind the scenes, revealing last July that he was already deep into screen tests for the role. Speaking on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast show, Keoghan couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the transformation.

“It’s great. I look amazing,” he joked. “I’m not even messing—I look amazing. I look more Ringo than Ringo looks Ringo.”

His confidence is perhaps unsurprising, given the rare opportunity he had to study the legend firsthand. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Keoghan shared that he met Starr at the drummer’s home, where the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer even played the drums for him.

“He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo,” Keoghan said with a laugh, acknowledging the surreal nature of the moment. Still, the meeting provided more than inspiration—it offered reassurance. Keoghan confirmed that Starr personally approved of his casting.

“When I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him,” Keoghan admitted. “I was nervous. But he’s like, ‘You can look at me.’”

Behind the scenes, preparation has been nothing short of intense. Speaking at the Fastnet Film Festival near Cork, Ireland, in May 2025, Keoghan described months of immersive training. “We’ve been in full camp for like 16 or 17 weeks now,” he said, according to The Sun. “It’s just an absolute joy. The camp is like boot camp… a place of failing, a place of learning and trying. That’s the process I’m in now. It’s a playground for me.”

With his Ringo-inspired look now unveiled and months of rigorous preparation underway, Keoghan’s transformation signals the seriousness—and scale—of Mendes’ Beatles vision. As anticipation builds toward the 2028 release, one thing is already clear: the mop tops are back, and the Fab Four’s story is gearing up for a cinematic revival unlike any before.