Paul Mescal Shares Breakfast with Sir Paul McCartney at Iconic London Cafe
Irish actor Paul Mescal had a memorable encounter with music legend Sir Paul McCartney on Friday, joining him for a full English breakfast at one of London's most renowned cafes. This meeting comes as Mescal prepares to portray McCartney in an ambitious four-film anthology chronicling The Beatles' rise from Liverpool's Cavern Club to global superstardom.
Filming at Westminster's Regency Cafe
With principal photography well underway, Mescal, aged 30, seized the opportunity to meet McCartney in person at Westminster's Regency Cafe. This venue is famed for its art deco interior and reputation as a top spot for a full English breakfast, making it a popular filming location. Dressed casually in a denim jacket and jeans, Mescal appeared mildly starstruck as he exchanged words with the 83-year-old musician on the street after filming scenes, believed to be for an accompanying documentary, inside the cafe.
McCartney seemed in high spirits while chatting with Mescal, who even held an umbrella over the Beatles legend's head as rain began to fall. The Regency Cafe owners closed the establishment during the filming, highlighting the significance of the event.
Recent Filming and Cast Details
Mescal was last seen portraying McCartney on location in Liverpool, where director Sam Mendes and his crew shot scenes near the musician's childhood home, now owned by the National Trust. The actor also enthusiastically rode a vintage bicycle along a leafy suburban street in McCartney's hometown, following his appearance at the 79th annual BAFTA Awards.
In a recent interview with Backstage, Mescal expressed his admiration for McCartney, stating, 'I get to play somebody I've always admired. As each day goes by, I just think he's like – you can count on one hand how many people have influenced the world as much as he has.' His casting has divided fans, but he remains enthusiastic about the role.
The films will feature a strong supporting cast, including Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Additional roles include Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, and James Norton as manager Brian Epstein. Mia McKenna-Bruce and Harry Lloyd will appear as Maureen Starkey and George Martin, respectively.
Production Updates and Filming Locations
The Daily Mail previously revealed that the Beatles biopics will also be filmed at London's iconic Abbey Road Studios, with production commencing in November last year. Despite earlier reports that Westminster Council had blocked filming at the famous zebra crossing, the council has confirmed to the Daily Mail that they are working closely with production teams to facilitate filming, which will involve road closures. Mendes aims to recreate the Beatles' 1969 album cover on the crossing.
Speaking at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas last April, Mendes described the films as the 'first binge-able theatrical experience.' This project marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd and The Beatles – including Sir Paul, Sir Ringo, and the families of Lennon and Harrison – have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
Cast Reactions and Future Releases
Starr hinted that Keoghan had taken on the role, telling Entertainment Tonight, 'I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.' Keoghan recently admitted to being so nervous during his first meeting with Starr that he couldn't look him in the eye, describing it as a 'lovely' but overwhelming experience.
Sir Ridley Scott, while promoting Gladiator II, revealed that Mescal was joining the Beatles project, noting the actor's busy schedule. Titled The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, the movies will each focus on one band member's perspective, tracing their journey from unknowns in early 1960s Liverpool to global fame and their 1970 breakup. All four films are set for simultaneous release on April 7, 2028.
