Richard Bodin
The upcoming biopic series directed by Sam Mendes about The Beatles has reportedly hit an unexpected hurdle. As the project has recently entered the filming phase, Barry Keoghan is rumoured to be dropping off from his role portraying drummer Ringo Starr.
No official statement has been released yet from the production or the actor’s management. However, it is understood that now that shooting has begun, Keoghan appears to be struggling with the demands of the role.
An Intensive Preparation
Although he had no prior drumming background, the actor has been following an intense training programme to be ready in time. Insiders describe a rigorous schedule involving both technical exercises and extended rehearsal sessions. A particular focus was placed on consistency and tempo.
During this preparation phase, Keoghan has reportedly undergone what has been described as a bootcamp. He focused heavily on his training, stepping away from most of his usual activities — notably boxing. He also met Ringo Starr on numerous occasions. This allowed the actor to study the drummer’s playing style and his mannerisms — how he walks, speaks, and carries himself.
Difficulties on Set
But despite this intense preparation, it would seem that things are not quite clicking on set for the Dubliner. It appears that the chemistry is not fully taking with the rest of the cast. “He’s a great actor,” one insider commented, “but this is a very specific kind of discipline. He’s just not hitting things in time.”
It has been reported that on several occasions, Paul Mescal — who portrays Paul McCartney — has offered to take a seat behind the drum kit during scenes in the recording studio in order to “get the tracks right for the album.” It was not even the White Album… The suggestion, while practical in the moment, has reportedly raised some eyebrows within the production, given the nature of the project. Some on set noted that the situation had become “increasingly awkward.” The arrangement is indeed doing very little to ease pressure on Keoghan.
Breaking Point
A non-official source claimed to have encountered Keoghan in the lobby of a hotel in Liverpool, where much of the filming is currently taking place. As he asked the actor how shooting was going, he received an unexpectedly candid response.
“I’m tired, man,” Keoghan reportedly said. “I don’t know how much more of this I can take. Look — I’ve got blisters on me fingers.”
He then added, showing his hands, that he was becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on his ability to box.
Filming is understood to be ongoing, with several key scenes yet to be completed. Among them, a sequence believed to be tied to “The Fool on the Hill,” which sources describe as requiring “a certain stillness” from all involved.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Keoghan will return to set.
