Irish actor Barry Keoghan debuted a long, shaggy mop-top hairstyle at the London premiere of his film Crime 101 on January 28, 2026, drawing immediate comparisons to Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
The transformation signals his preparation to portray Starr in The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, a four-part biopic series directed by Sam Mendes.
The hairstyle, featuring voluminous brown locks that cover the eyebrows and frame the face, closely resembles Starr's signature look from the band's early 1960s era.
Keoghan, 33, has grown out his hair for the role, departing from his usual shorter cuts seen in recent projects.
The appearance sparked widespread attention on social media and entertainment outlets, with photos from the Leicester Square event showing Keoghan adjusting his hair while wearing a leather jacket and patterned scarf.
The Hair Transformation
Keoghan's new look was first spotted at the Crime 101 screening, where he walked the red carpet alongside co-stars including Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth. The mop-top style evokes the Beatles' Beatlemania period, when the band's coordinated hairstyles became a cultural phenomenon.
The actor has previously spoken about meeting Ringo Starr in person, describing the encounter positively. Starr, now 85, has provided input on the project, including script notes and lighthearted comments about Keoghan's drumming preparation.
Sam Mendes' Beatles Biopic Project
The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event is an ambitious series from Sony Pictures and Neal Street Productions. Each film will focus on one band member, exploring their individual perspectives while intersecting with the group's history.
The project was first announced in 2024 and has generated significant interest due to its scale and cast. All four films are scheduled for simultaneous theatrical release in April 2028.
Cast and First-Look Images
The cast includes:
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
Recent first-look photos, shared as postcards and promotional images, offer glimpses of the actors in character.
These images were unveiled in early 2026, building anticipation for the production.
Keoghan has expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting his efforts to humanize Starr through personal research and interaction with the musician.
Why the Project Matters
The Beatles remain one of the most influential bands in music history, and a multi-film biopic from an Oscar-winning director like Mendes represents a major cinematic event. The casting of prominent young actors has fueled fan discussions about how the films will portray the band's rise, creative tensions, and cultural impact.
Starr has publicly commented on the project, including his approval of Keoghan and suggestions for script accuracy based on his experiences.
What Happens Next
Production on the series is underway, with filming details kept limited. The simultaneous release of all four films in 2028 will allow audiences to experience the Beatles' story from multiple viewpoints in a short period.
Keoghan's hairstyle debut serves as an early indicator of the actor's commitment to the role, as he continues preparations ahead of the 2028 release.
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