Paul Mescal first captured the nation's attention during the pandemic lockdowns, portraying the complex teenage heartthrob Connell Waldron in the acclaimed television adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People. Since that breakthrough role, the Irish actor has swiftly ascended to become one of the most sought-after talents in the industry, featuring in several major cinematic releases over the past five years, all before marking his 30th birthday.
A Versatile Performer Expanding His Horizons
Mescal's recent projects showcase his impressive range. He has shared the screen with Andrew Scott in the emotionally charged drama All Of Us Strangers and is set to appear in Ridley Scott's eagerly awaited sequel, Gladiator II. Currently, he is promoting his latest film, Hamnet, a project that has garnered an Oscar nomination and sees him acting alongside Jessie Buckley.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear that Paul Mescal is far from a one-dimensional actor. He possesses a significant and growing passion for music, which is now taking centre stage in his career trajectory.
Stepping into the Shoes of a Legend
A pivotal development is Mescal's upcoming role as Sir Paul McCartney in a major four-part Beatles biopic series. He will join a stellar cast including Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Crucially, Mescal has confirmed he will be recording his own vocals for the part, a demanding task that many actors undertake for biographical roles, as Taron Egerton did for Rocketman.
Speaking to British GQ, Mescal revealed how deeply the role has affected him: 'I've learned so much. It's really inspired a love.' He elaborated further, stating, 'I've always loved music, but getting to play one of the great songwriters and great frontmen has really lit a fire in terms of personally writing music and engaging and hearing music in a different way.' This experience has motivated him to begin penning his own original music.
Family Ties and Musical Collaboration
Music runs in the Mescal family. Paul's younger sister, Nell Mescal, is an accomplished singer in her own right. At just 22 years old, she has already secured a record deal, released her second EP titled The Closest We'll Get, and supported major acts like Florence + The Machine and Dermot Kennedy.
The siblings previously went viral in 2020 with a beautiful duet of The Villagers' song Nothing Arrived, with Paul on piano. In a recent interview, when asked by co-star Jessie Buckley if he would consider making an album with his sister, Paul responded enthusiastically: 'I was at her gig on Wednesday night and she's just unbelievable. I'd love to like make music with my sister for sure. Yeah.'
A Desire for a Creative Pause
After a relentless schedule since graduating from The Lir Academy in 2017, Mescal has openly discussed his need for a break. He told The Guardian, 'People will get a break from me and I’ll get a break from them, over the next couple of years.' Reflecting on his career pace, he added, 'I’m five or six years into this now, and I feel very lucky. But I’m also learning that I don’t think I can go on doing it as much.'
He has spoken of a desire to 'slow down a bit more' and reprioritise time with family, his partner, and friends, even expressing a wish to take a long backpacking holiday in South America. This mirrors the career breaks taken by musicians like Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles, who have stepped back from the spotlight to recharge and explore other passions.
A Life Immersed in Music
Mescal's personal life further underscores his musical inclinations. He is currently in a relationship with acclaimed singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, daughter of director J.J. Abrams. Abrams' career has skyrocketed recently, with collaborations alongside Taylor Swift and performances at major festivals like Glastonbury. Mescal is often seen supporting her at concerts, immersing himself in the songwriting world.
His musical talents were also showcased in his recent film The History of Sound, where he stars alongside Josh O'Connor as a man travelling across 1920s America to record folk songs. Furthermore, he shared his own cover of Sia's Chandelier back in 2020, demonstrating his vocal abilities beyond the acting realm.
As Paul Mescal approaches this potential hiatus and prepares for his transformative role as Paul McCartney, the signs of a significant rebrand are unmistakable. Whether this leads to a full-fledged musical career, collaborations with his talented sister, or simply a more balanced creative life, one thing is certain: Paul Mescal's journey is evolving far beyond the television screen that first made him a household name.
