Paul Mescal, the rapidly rising star known for his compelling performances, has announced his intention to step back from the limelight until 2028, coinciding with the release of Sam Mendes’ highly anticipated four-part Beatles biopic. In a candid interview with The Guardian, Mescal discussed the importance of “rationing” his workload, especially following his upcoming promotional activities for his film, Hamnet.
With a career that has soared since his breakthrough role in the acclaimed series Normal People, Mescal has proven himself a versatile actor, starring in indie hits like Aftersun and All of Us Strangers alongside major productions such as Gladiator II. Looking ahead, he will play Paul McCartney in Mendes’ Beatles project, which marks a significant milestone in his acting career.
Expressing his gratitude for his achievements, Mescal shared his realization that he can’t sustain such a demanding pace. He emphasized that “rationing” doesn’t necessarily equate to doing less work, but rather recognizing the emotional toll that powerful films like The History of Sound can take on him. He noted, “You can’t keep going back and expect to consistently deliver something you’re proud of.”
Mescal also reflected on his love for the stage and expressed a desire to focus on theatre for some time in his career. He has plans to return to the stage in 2027, taking on leading roles in two plays at the National’s Lyttelton Theatre: Tom Murphy’s A Whistle in the Dark and Arthur Miller’s classic Death of a Salesman.
Despite the apprehension of slowing down and possibly missing out on opportunities, Mescal’s priority is to avoid any resentment towards his craft. He remarked, “I don’t want to resent the thing I love,” underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with his passion for acting. His decision to take a breath may prove to be a thoughtful strategy for both his mental well-being and long-term career success.