Barry Keoghan Channels Iconic Ringo Starr Mop-Top Ahead of Ambitious Beatles Biopic Quadruplet
The Irish actor, cast as the legendary drummer, debuted the familiar hairstyle at a London film screening, offering a glimpse into Sam Mendes’ unprecedented four-film cinematic event set for 2028.
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his compelling performances in films like Saltburn and his Oscar-nominated role in The Banshees of Inisherin, has officially begun his visible transformation into legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. The 33-year-old actor debuted a striking new mop-top hairstyle in London on January 28, a style uncannily reminiscent of Starr’s iconic look from The Beatles’ early 1960s heyday, signaling his immersion into the highly anticipated multi-film biopic project.
Keoghan unveiled his lengthy, shaggy brunette locks at a screening for his new film, Crime 101, held at the prestigious Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. This voluminous cut, a notable departure from his previously shorter style, immediately drew comparisons to the legendary drummer, now 85, who, alongside his bandmates, popularized the distinctive “mop-top” globally. The physical change underscores Keoghan’s dedication as he steps into the shoes of one of music’s most enduring figures.
An Unprecedented Cinematic Event: The Beatles’ Story in Four Parts
The project, officially titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, marks an ambitious and unprecedented undertaking in cinematic storytelling. Directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall), the series will comprise four distinct yet interconnected films, each focusing on the individual journey of a member of the Fab Four: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. This unique narrative approach, described by Mendes at CinemaCon in March 2025 as the “first bingeable theatrical experience,” promises a comprehensive and interwoven exploration of the world’s most influential band from their unique perspectives.
Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions first revealed the groundbreaking concept in early 2024. Following months of intense speculation and social media buzz regarding casting choices, Mendes finally confirmed the star-studded ensemble in 2025. Alongside Keoghan’s portrayal of Ringo Starr, Paul Mescal has been cast as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will embody George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson is set to take on the role of John Lennon.
Ringo Starr’s Endorsement and Anticipation
The legendary Ringo Starr himself has voiced considerable enthusiasm for the project and the casting choices. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, conducted prior to the finalization of the full cast, Starr, reflecting on the sheer scale of the undertaking, remarked, “I’m excited that [Mendes] has taken the madness of making four movies at the same time.” He further elaborated on the interconnected narratives: “My life as a lad, John’s life, Paul’s life, George’s life, I mean, it must interact in some way… 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.” His earlier comments to Entertainment Tonight in December 2024, made when Keoghan’s casting was still a rumor, saw him express that it would be “great” for Keoghan to play him, jokingly adding, “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons. I hope not too many.”
While Keoghan’s current film, the heist thriller Crime 101 – featuring a cast including Monica Barbaro, Halle Berry, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Ruffalo – is slated for release next month, fans will have to wait until April 2028 for the worldwide premiere of The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. With Keoghan’s physical transformation now underway and the full ensemble revealed, anticipation for this monumental cinematic exploration of The Beatles’ enduring legacy is steadily building across the globe.
