Paul Mescal Reflects on Career Choices Amid Personal Growth

LONDON, England — Irish actor Paul Mescal is navigating the complexities of fame and identity as he prepares for his role in Sam Mendes’s upcoming film project related to The Beatles. Known for portraying emotional characters, Mescal discusses how his craft has evolved since his breakout role in the pandemic-era series Normal People.

As Mescal prepares for his role as William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s film, he admits to bracing for his emotional journey in this new project. “I think a little break from playing very well-known and revered artists is on the cards,” he said with a smile.

The 27-year-old actor has made a name for himself through his portrayals of sensitive men in various projects, including Aftersun and Normal People. “I don’t know if I’ll have more to say with roles like Will or Lionel or Connell or Harry,” he expressed, referring to his characters in Hamnet, The History of Sound, Normal People, and All of Us Strangers. “There’s obviously some sort of artistic compulsion that I feel to be in that territory.”

Despite the acclaim he has received, Mescal is cautious about being typecast. “I recognize that they are in conversation with each other, and I don’t know if I’m finished with that yet,” he added. “But I might be finished with that?”

Mescal’s personal life remains a topic of speculation. He prefers to keep his romance private, unlike earlier days when his relationship with singer Phoebe Bridgers was public. “I don’t have Instagram. I sometimes dip onto Twitter, which is a mistake every single time,” he admitted.

On the importance of emotional vulnerability, Mescal shared, “I hope to eventually move past characters who radiate varying degrees of sadness.” He recognizes the emotional burden of fame and the responsibility it brings. “The worst part is feeling like your mistakes are magnified, both personally and professionally,” he said.

In an industry that often expects perfection, Mescal embraces the chaos of his career. “The things that I’ve made were the only things that I could make at that moment. And as long as that stays true, then I don’t feel like I need to get into the concept of planning a career,” he reflected.

As he continues to grow both personally and professionally, Mescal’s insights resonate with a generation seeking authenticity in their heroes. “I hope I get to do this job until I die,” he stated, underlining his dedication to his craft.