Barry Keoghan’s Drum Snub Rattles Beatles Biopic
Amazing. Barry Keoghan turned down drumming for Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biopic—and, surprise, we’re all thrilled to cover it. According to the New York Post, the Oscar-nominated actor was offered the chance to sit behind the kit and replicate Starr’s legendary grooves for Peter Jackson’s big-budget tribute, but he balked at the idea. Variety confirms that Keoghan’s camp quietly informed production in early April that he preferred a drum double rather than risking “dishonoring a Beatle.” I told you so, but let’s unpack this needless fuss.
Look, I don’t want to be the one to say it, but when you sign on to play a Beatle, you should probably learn at least a couple of chords—especially if it means fiddling with one of rock’s most iconic beats. Yet Keoghan apparently decided that devoting months to drum lessons was beneath him. People Magazine notes he cited scheduling conflicts and a desire to focus on character work, but insiders say he simply didn’t want to sweat through drum rudiments. He even declined a one-week intensive with Ringo’s personal tutor. Charming.
Production sources tell us that Jackson was amused but exasperated. Filming wraps this summer in London, and the plan was to shoot authentic performance sequences using Keoghan on camera and a double’s hands for the tricky fills. Instead, they’ll rely entirely on archival footage—so much for that full-immersion drama. Reports from Deadline indicate execs aren’t panicking, but let’s be real: next they’ll ask Tom Cruise to turn down Top Gun flight training.
Of course, Keoghan’s rep insists the actor holds Ringo’s legacy in the highest regard and simply wants to deliver “the most truthful portrayal of the man behind the drums.” Yet multiple crew members describe him as “all fur coat and no knickers” when it came to actual percussion work. Come on. If you’re gonna play a Beatle, you either drum or you don’t. Now we’re stuck with a body double tapping away off-screen.
Did anyone expect a different outcome? No? Thought so. This saga proves that even Hollywood’s rising stars will dodge the hard yards if there’s a shortcut. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Variety, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
