Paul Mescal Says He Won't Quit Sad Roles

Fans of Paul Mescal's most emotional performances can relax—the actor isn't walking away from deeply moving roles just yet.

The 29-year-old Irish star, known for powerful performances in 'Hamnet,' 'The History of Sound,' 'Normal People,' and 'All of Us Strangers,' recently hinted in an interview with Vanity Fair that he had been considering stepping back from the types of vulnerable characters that helped define his early career. He reflected that roles such as Will, Lionel, Connell, and Harry all shared a thematic link, and he wasn't sure how much more he had to explore within that territory. At the same time, he acknowledged he might not be fully finished with those kinds of parts.

Paul Mescal Will Continue to Play Emotional Roles

When asked about those comments at a recent 'Hamnet' event, Mescal playfully dismissed his earlier remarks and suggested that even he doesn't always want his own musings taken too seriously.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Paul Mescal went on to say that audiences often try to categorise actors as belonging to one genre, such as comedy or drama, but he personally prefers to follow material that feels truthful to him. He emphasised that his goal is to continue choosing work that feels sincere, and he believes 'Hamnet' represents that honesty.

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About Paul Mescal's 'Hamnet'

The film explores the love story between William Shakespeare, played by Paul Mescal, and his wife Agnes, portrayed by Jessie Buckley. Their relationship, their growing family, and the tragic death of their son Hamnet shape the narrative. Shakespeare channels his grief into creating 'Hamlet,' while director Chloé Zhao guides the film's emotional arc. The movie also features performances from Joe Alwyn and Emily Watson.

Image Courtesy: People

Mescal noted that 'Hamnet' feels emotionally heavy because its early moments are filled with joy and warmth—a contrast that makes the later heartbreak resonate more deeply. He considers the film one of the proudest achievements of his career, praising the authentic connection he developed with Buckley during filming. The two actors reached a level of nonverbal understanding that Paul Mescal had never experienced on a set before.

Jessie Buckley's Experience on 'Hamnet' Set

Buckley echoed that the atmosphere on set remained light and supportive despite the story's sombre themes. She explained that the cast bonded quickly and worked with intention while maintaining a sense of humour, which helped keep the experience vibrant and collaborative.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Looking ahead, MesPaul Mescal is set to portray Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’s ambitious four-film project about The Beatles, titled 'The Beatles—A Four-Film Cinematic Event'.

'Hamnet' is currently playing in select theatres and will expand wider on 5th December.

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