Barry Keoghan is learning to follow the beat of his own drum as he prepares to portray Ringo Starr.
The Oscar nominee recently confirmed he’s been brushing up his percussion skills as he detailed his meeting with the Beatles drummer after being cast to play Starr in the upcoming four-part biopic about the legendary British rock band from director Sam Mendes.
“I met him at his house and he played the drums for me,” revealed Keoghan on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
Following the news of his casting in November, Keoghan said it was Starr who “let the news out. He was like, ‘Barry is somewhere doing drums. I think he should stop and not do anymore.’ But he leaked the news.”
Although the drummer was “absolutely lovely,” Keoghan explained the meeting “was one of those moments where you’re just in awe and just froze.” He wanted to study Starr but found it difficult looking him in the eye.
“When I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him,” recalled Keoghan. “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 Irish actor said he wants “to humanize and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate” Starr.
Last February, Deadline exclusively revealed that Mendes is set to direct each installment of The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event, through his Neal Street Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Each film will connect, telling the band’s story from each member’s point of view.
In addition to Keoghan, the cast is rounded out by Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon.
