Ringo Starr requested script changes in Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic to ensure an accurate portrayal of his first marriage to Maureen Starkey Tigrett.
With the Beatles’ 2028 four-part biopic on the horizon, drummer Ringo Starr made an unexpected trip to London in April to ensure the film got his story—and especially his first marriage—right.
Directed by Sam Mendes and penned by Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan and Jack Thorne, the ambitious project will span four interconnected films, each focusing on one band member’s perspective.
Starr was particularly concerned about how his first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett, was portrayed.
After reading the initial draft, he felt the screenplay “had nothing to do with Maureen and I,” explaining, “That’s not how we were. I’d say, ‘We would never do that.’”
He conveyed his reservations directly to Mendes and the writing team, who then made revisions to more accurately reflect the couple’s relationship.
Following these adjustments, Starr says he is “pleased” with his depiction.
Despite his satisfaction with the script changes, Starr admits he’s somewhat wary of Mendes’ plan to shoot all four films simultaneously.
“But he’ll do what he’s doing, and I’ll send him peace and love,” he said, striking the tone fans have come to know from the Beatles legend.
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, tapped to portray Starr on screen, recently recounted his “absolutely lovely” meeting with the real drummer.
Keoghan was so starstruck that Starr even played the drums for him—an experience he described as one of those “in awe” moments that left him momentarily frozen.
Last February, Deadline broke the news that Mendes’ Neal Street Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment would co-produce the event, officially titled The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event.
Alongside Keoghan, the ensemble cast includes Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon.
Together, these films aim to offer a fresh, intimate look at one of the most influential bands in history—filtered through the unique lens of each member.
Starr’s proactive involvement underlines the project’s commitment to authenticity, ensuring that when theaters usher in their next “British Invasion,” Beatles fans will get a portrayal that rings true.
