Paul Mescal to Ration Film Projects Until 2028 Beatles Release
Dublin, 5 January 2026 – Irish actor Paul Mescal has revealed he intends to scale back his film commitments, aiming for a break from new projects until the 2028 release of Sam Mendes’ four-part Beatles biopics, where he will portray Paul McCartney. Following a prolific period that included starring in two films in 2025, Mescal expressed a desire to prioritise personal life and avoid overextending himself in emotionally demanding roles.
Career Highlights and Recent Work
Paul Mescal rose to prominence with his breakout role as Connell Waldron in the 2020 BBC/Hulu series Normal People, earning a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor and a Primetime Emmy nomination. He transitioned to film with acclaimed performances in Aftersun (2022), for which he received an Oscar nomination, and Gladiator II (2024), directed by Ridley Scott. In 2025, Mescal starred in Hamnet, a historical drama about William Shakespeare, and The History of Sound, an adaptation of a short story set during World War I. He also appeared in All of Us Strangers (2023) and Foe (2024), solidifying his reputation as a versatile leading man.
On stage, Mescal won a Laurence Olivier Award in 2023 for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire and performed in revivals in 2024 and 2025. He has upcoming theatre commitments, including leading roles in A Whistle in the Dark and Death of a Salesman at London’s National Theatre in 2027.
Key Facts and Upcoming Projects
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Beatles Biopics | Four films directed by Sam Mendes, set for release in April 2028; Mescal plays Paul McCartney. |
| Merrily We Roll Along | Richard Linklater’s adaptation, filmed over 20 years to match the musical’s scope. |
| Bring Them Down | Thriller directed by Christopher Andrews, starring Mescal as a gamekeeper; slated for late 2025 release. |
| The End of Getting Lost | Upcoming film project, details forthcoming. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards has Paul Mescal won?
Mescal has won two BAFTA Awards, including one for television and one for film, as well as a Laurence Olivier Award for theatre. He has also received nominations for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy, and a Golden Globe.
Why is Paul Mescal taking a break?
Mescal cited the emotional toll of recent roles and a desire to attend to personal priorities, stating he hopes to ration his workload to maintain quality in his performances.
What is Mescal’s next major project?
Beyond the 2027 theatre productions, his primary focus is the Beatles biopics in 2028, alongside the long-term Merrily We Roll Along.