Joseph Quinn Calls Barry Keoghan Mid-Screen Test for Beatles Biopic: “I Look More Ringo Than Ringo!”
During a quirky segment on BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show, Joseph Quinn (cast as George Harrison in the upcoming Beatles biopic series) surprised co-star Barry Keoghan (Ringo Starr) with a live phone call — right in the middle of screen tests for the films.
As part of a game called “Sitting Down or Standing Up,” Quinn had to guess Keoghan’s posture before calling. “Are you sitting or standing?” he asked. A confused Keoghan responded, “I’m sitting… What’s going on? Are you pregnant or something?”
Quinn explained they were live on air, prompting Keoghan to greet the audience enthusiastically. Host Greg James chimed in, joking that they were just checking on Keoghan — to which he cheekily replied, “Is Joe pregnant? Can I be the godfather?”
Trying to wrap up the call, Quinn was interrupted by Keoghan, who wanted to stay on the radio a bit longer. Quinn then asked if he was currently screen testing for the film, to which Keoghan confirmed: “Yes, I am. It’s going great. I look amazing — seriously, I look more Ringo than Ringo!”
The film, titled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event and directed by Sam Mendes, features Quinn, Keoghan, Paul Mescal (as Paul McCartney), and Harris Dickinson (as John Lennon). Each film will focus on one of the four band members and is set to release in April 2028.
Despite the fun, Keoghan mentioned how odd it felt not having Quinn there in person. “We’re missing one Beatle,” he said. “He’s far away,” Quinn responded. “But he misses you.”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, also on the show, wondered why screen tests were still happening if the cast was already confirmed. Keoghan joked, “It’s still an audition. We could lose the part if we mess it up.” Quinn added with a grin, “Fingers crossed!”
Keoghan reassured listeners, though, saying confidently, “I’m definitely Ringo,” while Quinn added he thinks he’s still Harrison. When asked about Paul Mescal’s role, Keoghan playfully ended the call: “Alright fellas, have a good day!”
Off-air, Keoghan has talked about meeting the real Ringo Starr — and being so nervous he couldn’t look him in the eye. Starr had to reassure him, saying, “You can look at me.”
With filming underway and anticipation building, fans can expect the unique four-part Beatles biopic series to hit cinemas in spring 2028.
