Paul Mescal Plots Hiatus After Hamnet, Eyes Beatles Role
Paul Mescal hints at stepping back from acting after Hamnet, with plans to return for a major Beatles film project in 2028. Find out what’s behind his decision and what’s next.
Paul Mescal is looking to step away from the spotlight for a while, but not before he wraps up the promo circuit for his latest film, Hamnet, which is already being tipped as an Oscar frontrunner. The Irish actor has been open about his plans, saying,
“Once I’ve finished promoting [Hamnet], I hope nobody gets to see me until 2028 when I’m doing the Beatles. People will get a break from me and I’ll get a break from them.”
In Hamnet, Mescal takes on the role of William Shakespeare, under the direction of Chloé Zhao, best known for Eternals. The story centres on the loss of Shakespeare’s young son and the events that led to the creation of Hamlet. Jessie Buckley stars alongside Mescal as Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife.
Taking Stock and Rationing Roles
Mescal, reflecting on his career so far, shared that he’s been at it for about five or six years and feels fortunate, but he’s also realising the toll it can take.
“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,”
he admitted. He pointed out that working on films like The History of Sound, a period romance with Josh O’Connor, can be draining.
“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.”
He’s not ruling out a return to the stage, either, hinting that theatre could be on the cards for a while as he recharges.
Beatles Project on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Mescal is set to play Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles project, which will see four separate films released simultaneously in 2028, each focusing on a different member of the legendary band. Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, and Barry Keoghan are lined up to portray John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, respectively. The cast also features Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney and James Norton as Brian Epstein, the band’s manager.
Mescal’s decision to take a breather comes as he weighs up how to keep his performances fresh and avoid burning out. With such a high-profile role on the horizon, he’s keen to make sure he’s ready to give it his all when the time comes.
Hamnet Hits Cinemas
Hamnet is now showing in cinemas across the US and is set to open in the UK on 9 January. For those keen to see what else is coming up, there’s a stack of much-anticipated films on the way in 2026.