Barry Keoghan Playing Ringo Starr? Zak Starkey Isn’t Fully Convinced

Barry Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr in one of Sam Mendes’ four upcoming Beatles biopics, each centered on a different band member. Zak Starkey, Ringo’s son and former drummer for The Who, reacted to the casting in an interview with NME, offering both honest critique and encouragement.

“He doesn’t look anything like my dad, does he?” Starkey said, half-joking that Keoghan should “get a big rubber nose.” While he acknowledged physical appearance can be adjusted, he emphasized the real challenge will be nailing Ringo’s personality: “He’s the one with the charisma. Pulling that off will be hard.”

Starkey also addressed the musical side of the role, saying, “That’s fucking impossible. Nobody can play like my dad.” Still, he added, “Good luck to him,” admitting Keoghan could be the first to pull it off. The biopic has yet to announce a release date.