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Barry Keoghan might be preparing to step into the shoes of one of the most iconic drummers in music history, but when it came to actually drumming for the icon Ringo Starr himself, the Saltburn star hit the brakes.
During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Keoghan spoke about meeting Beatles legend Ringo Starr ahead of portraying him in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles biopic series.
“I met him at his house and he played the drums for me. He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
Though the role is a dream gig for many, Keoghan admitted the surreal moment nearly left him speechless.
“When I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him. I was nervous. But he’s like, ‘You can look at me.’ And again, you’re playing Ringo Starr. My job is to observe and take in the mannerisms and study.”
The Banshees of Inisherin actor even joked that Starr was the one who unofficially broke the casting news back in November.
“He let the news out. He was like, ‘Barry is somewhere doing drums. I think he should stop and do anymore.’”
Despite the nerves, Keoghan described the encounter with warmth and admiration.
“It was absolutely lovely. We just sat in the garden chatting away.”
Keoghan is one-fourth of the Fab Four ensemble set to bring the Beatles to life in Mendes’ forthcoming biopic, which will unfold across four theatrical films—each told from the perspective of a different band member.
Keoghan will take on the role of Ringo Starr, with Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. The project is scheduled for release in April 2028.
As for how he’s approaching the daunting task of portraying a living legend, Keoghan explained:
“I want to humanize and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.”
Barry Keoghan keeps it low-key at the 2025 Met Gala amid ex Sabrina Carpenter’s attendance
Barry Keoghan’s encounter with Ringo Starr came just days after he attended the 2025 Met Gala, where he crossed paths with his former flame, Sabrina Carpenter.
Wearing her signature long golden tresses, the songstress stunned in an espresso-hued leotard with an elongated tailpiece, designed by Pharrell Williams.
Meanwhile, Keoghan wore a custom Valentino ensemble featuring a tailored, obsidian-toned wool jacket with embroidered floral cuffs and a red silk sash. His outfit drew comparisons to the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper era—fitting, given his role as Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biopic series.
The former couple reportedly did not interact publicly during the evening. They had called it quits in December 2024, citing demanding careers that had pulled them in different directions. An insider told People:
"They are both young and career-focused, so they've decided to take a break."
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