Paul Mescal is proving once again why he’s one of the most compelling actors of his generation. Fresh from his Oscar nomination, the Irish star is taking on two vastly different but equally challenging roles that showcase his remarkable range and dedication to his craft.
In his latest appearance on TODAY, Mescal opened up about portraying William Shakespeare in the upcoming film HAMNET an adaptation that explores the profound personal tragedy behind one of the Bard’s most celebrated works. The film delves into the story of love, loss, and grief that inspired Shakespeare’s creative genius.
“There’s a lot of love at the center of it, which I think adds to the heartbreak,” Mescal explained, capturing the emotional core of the project. The film focuses on the devastating loss that shaped not just Shakespeare as a man, but as an artist whose work would endure for centuries.
Rather than simply presenting Shakespeare as the literary icon we know from history books, HAMNET offers an intimate portrait of a husband and father grappling with unimaginable pain. This humanizing approach aligns perfectly with Mescal’s strength as an actor—his ability to convey deep vulnerability and complex emotion with subtlety and authenticity.
As if embodying one of history’s greatest writers wasn’t enough, Mescal is also preparing to step into the shoes of another legend: Paul McCartney. The upcoming Beatles biopic represents a different kind of challenge entirely, requiring Mescal to master new skills that are essential to capturing the essence of the iconic musician.
During his TODAY interview, Mescal discussed the unique demands of the role, particularly learning to play guitar left-handed—a necessity for authentically portraying the left-handed McCartney. This level of commitment demonstrates Mescal’s approach to his craft: nothing short of complete immersion.
Beyond the instrumental work, Mescal will also be singing, channeling McCartney’s distinctive voice and the musical magic that defined an era. The pressure to get it right is undoubtedly immense, given the Beatles’ legendary status and the generations of devoted fans who know every note by heart.
What makes Mescal’s current trajectory so fascinating is the sheer variety of roles he’s choosing. From his breakout performance in NORMAL PEOPLE to his recent work in projects like AFTERSUN and GLADIATOR II, he has consistently sought out complex, challenging characters that push him as an artist.
The leap from Shakespeare to McCartney—from Elizabethan tragedy to 1960s rock and roll—demonstrates an actor unafraid to stretch himself across genres, time periods, and performance styles. Both roles require deep research, physical transformation, and emotional authenticity, yet they couldn’t be more different in their demands.
With both HAMNET and the McCartney biopic on the horizon, Paul Mescal’s star continues to rise. His willingness to take risks, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, suggests that his Oscar nomination is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
Audiences can look forward to seeing Mescal bring these two iconic figures to life with the same depth and sensitivity that has become his trademark. Whether he’s exploring the grief-stricken heart of Shakespeare or capturing the youthful energy of a Beatle, one thing is certain: Paul Mescal will give it everything he has.
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