Rock legend Ringo Starr is teaming up with Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes on the ambitious four-part biopic project about The Beatles — but behind the scenes, things are reportedly getting a little tense.
Sources tell RadarOnline.com that the 85-year-old drummer has become deeply involved in shaping his on-screen story, with insiders accusing Starr of micromanaging certain creative decisions, particularly when it comes to portraying his infamous hard-partying years during the band’s peak.
The highly anticipated films, scheduled for a simultaneous release in April 2028, are being billed as a major cinematic event, with each movie told from the perspective of one Beatle as they rise from Liverpool outsiders to global icons.
According to earlier reports, Starr will be portrayed by Barry Keoghan, while Paul McCartney is set to be played by Paul Mescal. The late John Lennon and George Harrison will be portrayed by Harris Dickinson and Joseph Quinn, respectively.
An insider revealed that early concepts for the Ringo-focused film leaned heavily into his reputation as the band’s most enthusiastic partier. “He loved being famous more than the other three — that’s just history,” the source said. “Barry’s casting made perfect sense for that wild, larger-than-life version of Ringo.”
But that approach has reportedly shifted.
“With Ringo’s direct input, the story has evolved,” the insider explained. “Now they’re trying to focus on lesser-known moments from his time in the band — things fans haven’t heard over and over again.”
While Starr has been described as generous with his time and feedback, his hands-on approach has reportedly slowed things down. In contrast, McCartney is said to be taking a more relaxed stance, trusting the filmmakers to tell his story without hovering, largely due to his packed schedule.
“As frustrating as it can be to run every idea past Ringo, people do understand where he’s coming from,” the source added. “Barry doesn’t want to turn his life into a punchline or a gimmick.”
And with four films riding on the same moment, the pressure is on. “If this whole project is going to work,” the insider said, “the Ringo movie has to stand shoulder to shoulder with the films about Paul, John, and George — not feel like the odd one out.”
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