Paul Mescal Plots Hiatus Before Beatles Film Transformation

Paul Mescal appears ready to step back from the relentless pace of his acting career, at least for a while. With the promotional whirlwind for his latest film, Hamnet, in full swing, Mescal has been candid about his intentions to take a breather once the dust settles.

“Once I’ve finished promoting [Hamnet], I hope nobody gets to see me until 2028 when I’m doing the Beatles,”

he remarked, suggesting both audiences and he himself could do with a bit of distance.

In Chloé Zhao’s new period drama, Mescal takes on the role of William Shakespeare, navigating the grief and turmoil following the loss of Shakespeare’s young son—a tragedy that would later inspire Hamlet. Jessie Buckley joins him as Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, adding further depth to the film’s emotional landscape.

Shifting Gears and Seeking Balance

Reflecting on his career so far, Mescal admitted,

“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.”

The actor acknowledged the toll that each project takes, referencing his recent work on The History of Sound, a period romance alongside Josh O’Connor.

“It means learning that films like [new period romance, co-starring Josh O’Connor] The History of Sound take more out of the well. You can’t keep going back and expect to consistently deliver something you’re proud of. What that rationing looks like, I don’t know. I miss being on stage, so I might have a time when I’m only doing theatre for a couple of years.”

Mescal’s musings reveal a desire to recalibrate, perhaps returning to the theatre for a spell, away from the constant demands of film sets and red carpets. The notion of ‘rationing’ his appearances hints at a more selective approach to future roles, prioritising quality and personal fulfilment over sheer visibility.

Beatles Ambitions on the Horizon

Looking further ahead, Mescal is set to take on a rather iconic figure: Paul McCartney. In Sam Mendes’ ambitious quartet of films, each focusing on a different member of The Beatles, Mescal will step into the shoes of the legendary musician. The ensemble cast includes Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Saoirse Ronan and James Norton are also on board, portraying Linda McCartney and Brian Epstein, respectively.

All four films are slated for simultaneous release in 2028, a bold move that’s sure to draw attention from fans and critics alike. For Mescal, the project marks a significant return to the screen after his planned hiatus, promising a transformation that will no doubt be closely watched.

Hamnet’s Arrival and What Lies Ahead

Hamnet has already made its debut in US cinemas and is set to reach UK audiences in early January. As Mescal wraps up his commitments to the film, speculation swirls about how he’ll spend his time away from the spotlight. Whether he finds himself treading the boards or simply enjoying a quieter life, his next major appearance is already pencilled in for 2028, when the world will see him as McCartney.

For those eager to keep up with the latest in cinema, there’s no shortage of highly anticipated releases on the horizon. But for now, Mescal’s fans will have to savour his performances while they can—before he vanishes, at least for a little while.