Irish actor Paul Mescal has shared that his transformative role in an upcoming Beatles film series has ignited a new passion within him: writing his own music. The 29-year-old, who portrays a young Paul McCartney, says the experience has profoundly changed his relationship with music.
A Cinematic Inspiration
Mescal is starring in the highly anticipated four-part cinematic event, The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, where he will perform all of his own singing as the legendary bassist and vocalist. Speaking to British GQ, Mescal explained the depth of the project's impact on him. "I've learned so much. It's really inspired a love," he said of the role.
He elaborated, confirming his new creative pursuit: "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." Mescal is no stranger to musical performance, having previously showcased his vocal talents in films like Carmen and The History of Sound.
Meeting a Legend and a Star-Studded Cast
The actor also opened up about the moment Paul McCartney learned he would be portrayed by the Irish star. Mescal was full of praise for the music icon, describing him as "the most brilliant man" and saying he felt "emotionally attached to him." He added, "He received me with great kindness and warmth."
The film series, announced last year and scheduled for a global release in April 2028, features an impressive ensemble cast:
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
- Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd
- Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney
- Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono
- Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Cox
This marks the first time Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have granted their life story rights for a feature film project.
Filming at Abbey Road and a Potential Break
Despite earlier reports of obstacles, production is moving forward at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios. The Daily Mail confirmed that Westminster Council is working with the production team to facilitate filming, which will involve closing the famous zebra crossing to recreate the band's seminal 1969 album cover. Director Sam Mendes is helming the four films, each told from the perspective of a different Beatle, charting their rise from Liverpool to global superstardom and their eventual split in 1970.
Coming from a musical family himself—his sister Nell is a popular singer—Mescal's new venture into songwriting seems a natural progression. However, following this career milestone, the actor hinted he may step back from the spotlight. In a separate interview with The Guardian, Mescal suggested he is considering a break, stating, "People will get a break from me and I’ll get a break from them, over the next couple of years."
The full feature with Paul Mescal is available in the February issue of British GQ.
