Paul Mescal is an Irish actor whose career rocketed after a show-stopping turn in Normal People (2020). From his early days as a Gaelic footballer-turned-actor to becoming one of Hollywood’s most promising stars, Mescal’s journey is both inspiring and fascinating. This guide dives into all of Paul Mescal movies and TV shows, from his breakout roles to current projects and exciting upcoming films and series.
| Born | February 2, 1996 (Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Colm Mescal |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2016–present |
| Education | Lir Academy, Trinity College Dublin |
| Notable Works | Normal People (2020), Aftersun (2022), Gladiator II (2024) |
Early Life and Education
Gaelic Football and Acting Beginnings
Born in 1996 in Maynooth, Ireland, Paul Mescal was the eldest of three children of a police officer mother and a schoolteacher-actor father. He first fell in love with performing while in high school, even playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. In those years Mescal was also a standout Gaelic football player, but he gave up the sport after suffering a broken jaw during a match. These early experiences in Irish theatre and sport taught him discipline, teamwork, and resilience – qualities he carries into his acting today.
Training at the Lir Academy
After high school, Mescal honed his craft at Trinity College Dublin’s prestigious Lir Academy, a drama school known for producing top talent. His formal training grounded him in classical and contemporary performance techniques. He also stayed active in Dublin’s theater scene during his studies, continuing to perform in local productions. In this way, Mescal built a solid foundation in acting while remaining connected to his roots, refining a nuanced screen and stage presence.
Breakthrough on Television
Connell in Normal People
Mescal’s global breakthrough came when he was cast as Connell Waldron in Hulu and BBC’s adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel Normal People (2020). In this acclaimed miniseries he played an Irish teen navigating a complex romance. The show became the most-streamed BBC series of 2020 and a hit on Hulu. Critics and viewers praised Mescal’s performance and chemistry with co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones. As The Atlantic noted, “Edgar-Jones and Mescal generate so much intensity that any scene without the two of them almost feels like an affront”. Audiences were captivated by his ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability.
Awards and Recognition for Normal People
For Normal People, Mescal won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor. This was his first major award, cementing his reputation as a formidable young talent. Industry observers noted how effortlessly he embodied Connell’s quiet intensity and emotional depth. His BAFTA win signaled to the world that a new star had arrived on the acting scene. In short, Normal People was the role that made Paul Mescal a household name and earned him critical acclaim.
Rise in Film
Supporting Roles: The Lost Daughter and God’s Creatures
After his television success, Mescal transitioned to film with supporting roles in notable projects. He appeared in The Lost Daughter (2021), a psychological drama directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, sharing the screen with Olivia Colman. He also co-starred in God’s Creatures (2022), a taut thriller about a family secret. These early film roles showcased Mescal’s versatility – even in limited screen time, he held his own alongside established actors. Britannica notes Mescal “appeared in the award-winning The Lost Daughter (2021)” and God’s Creatures (2022). These parts helped build his cinematic credentials and smoothly transitioned him from TV to feature films.
Breakout Movie: Aftersun and Oscar Recognition
Mescal’s first leading film role was in Aftersun (2022), directed by Charlotte Wells. In this poignant drama he played a young father taking his daughter on a holiday to Turkey. Audiences and critics were deeply moved by his tender, enigmatic performance. The New York Times praised him for being “so natural, so light and grave and particular, that [he doesn’t] seem to be acting at all”. Aftersun earned Mescal his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This Oscar nod – along with other critics’ honors – confirmed that Aftersun was the movie that solidified his status as a rising star in cinema.
Collaborations and Co-Stars
Gladiator II – Leading a Legendary Franchise
One of Mescal’s most high-profile roles is in Gladiator II (2024), where he plays Lucius Verus, the now-grown son of Lucilla from the original film. This Ridley Scott epic reunites him with legendary actors Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. According to reports, filming began in 2023 for a late 2024 release. Also returning is Connie Nielsen as Lucilla (Lucius’s mother), reprising her role from Gladiator (2000). Nielsen is known for roles like Wonder Woman’s Queen Hippolyta and has become a veteran supporting star. In Gladiator II, Mescal effectively carries on the franchise’s legacy, stepping up as a central hero amidst Hollywood heavyweights.
Beatles Biopic – Working with Joseph Quinn
Mescal’s next collaboration is in Sam Mendes’s highly anticipated Beatles project. Sony announced Mescal as Paul McCartney in a four-film Beatles saga set to be released starting April 2028. Alongside him, actors Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn play John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison respectively. Fans of Paul Mescal movies and TV shows will be excited to see him take on the iconic role of McCartney. Joining Joseph Quinn (known from Stranger Things) and others, this project positions Mescal in a star-studded ensemble and highlights his growing profile.
Streaming and TV Appearances
Netflix and Other Platforms
For audiences curious about Paul Mescal movies and TV shows on Netflix, note that the indie film Shame (2021) – in which Mescal co-starred – was released on Netflix. This gave streaming audiences an early look at his work. Mescal’s projects continue to find homes on various platforms. For example, the 2023 film All of Us Strangers (starring Andrew Scott and Mescal) can be streamed on Amazon Prime and other services. Even Normal People has been available on Hulu and BBC channels, ensuring fans can access his breakout role online.
Television and Debut Appearances
Before Normal People, Mescal’s only other TV credit was a 2019 episode of the comedy series Bump. After that debut, he has largely stayed focused on film and stage. Rolling Stone reports that Mescal intends to “lay low” and take breaks between projects until after completing the Beatles films in 2028. For now, viewers shouldn’t expect a new TV series starring him in the immediate future. Instead, his acclaimed movie work and planned epics fill his schedule through 2026 and beyond.
Upcoming Projects (2024–2026)
Gladiator II, Hamnet, and More
Fans of Paul Mescal movies and TV shows have plenty to look forward to. He will lead Gladiator II (2024) as Lucius, reprising a sequel to the Oscar-winning epic. After that, he’s set to star as William Shakespeare in Hamnet (2025), directed by Chloé Zhao. Another drama, The History of Sound, adapted from a Kazuo Ishiguro story, is scheduled for release in early 2026. Mescal also has several other upcoming films in the pipeline – including literary adaptations and even a musical project – which together indicate a diverse slate of roles to come.
The Beatles Epic and Beyond
Perhaps the most noteworthy is Mescal’s involvement in the Beatles series. All four Beatles films are planned as a “cinematic event” spanning 2028. Production is underway on this ambitious project (Portraying the band’s entire history), and Sony notes the Beatles roles give Mescal long-term stability. Beyond these, industry insiders hint that Mescal may appear in other forthcoming thrillers or dramas in 2026. In short, his upcoming filmography through 2026 is rich with projects that will likely cement his Hollywood status.
Accolades and Honors
Critical Acclaim and Major Awards
Mescal’s talents have been recognized with top awards and nominations. In addition to winning a BAFTA TV Award for Normal People, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor with Aftersun. On stage, he won the 2023 Olivier Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. These honors – from BAFTAs to an Oscar nod to an Olivier – underscore his broad appeal across film, television, and theater.
Fan Appeal and Impact
Part of Mescal’s acclaim comes from his on-screen charisma and authenticity. Critics often highlight how natural and effortless his performances feel; as noted, his acting in Aftersun “doesn’t seem to be acting at all”. This sincerity has won him a devoted fanbase. Audiences love Mescal for his ability to convey deep emotion without artifice and for portraying characters who feel real. Off-screen, Mescal is known to be humble and engaging in interviews, which only adds to his popularity. In short, his genuine style and warm personality help explain why people love Paul Mescal.
Personal Life
Relationships and Privacy
Paul Mescal is famously private about his personal life. As of 2026 he is not married and has no wife. Instead, media report that he has been dating American singer Gracie Abrams. They have been together since mid-2024 and made their relationship public at the Golden Globes in early 2026. Mescal has described his partnership with Abrams as “deeply precious” and keeps it out of the spotlight for the most part. He rarely discusses other aspects of his romantic life.
Public Image and Interests
Mescal is known for a friendly, down-to-earth public image. He famously made news by wearing Gaelic Athletic Association shorts to the Coachella music festival in 2022, a stunt that went viral and showed off his playful side. He often expresses gratitude in interviews and values humility. Fans appreciate that he engages on topics like mental health and creative breaks. As one profile notes, Mescal plans to be selective with his roles (“rationing” his work before the Beatles films). This thoughtful approach and his approachable persona have endeared him further to the public.
Conclusion
Paul Mescal’s rise from Dublin drama student to award-winning actor is remarkable. Over the past few years he has built an impressive résumé – Paul Mescal movies and TV shows have ranged from intimate indie dramas to large-scale epics. This guide has traced his journey: from breakout roles and the hit series Normal People, through acclaimed films like Aftersun, to leads in blockbusters such as Gladiator II and the upcoming Beatles biopics. Along the way he has collected major awards and won hearts with his authentic performances and charm. As of 2026, Mescal continues to choose projects carefully, balancing career milestones with personal growth, so fans can expect his next phase to be as exciting as his first.
FAQs
How did Paul Mescal get famous?
Mescal first became famous as the co-lead in the TV miniseries Normal People (2020). His role as Connell earned him a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor and introduced him to a global audience. That breakout role launched his career.
What movie made Paul Mescal famous?
While his breakthrough was on television, the film that cemented Mescal’s fame was Aftersun (2022). His sensitive, nuanced lead performance in this indie drama earned widespread critical praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Aftersun is often cited as the movie that established his reputation in cinema.
How much did Paul Mescal get for Gladiator 2?
Industry reports indicate that Paul Mescal earned about $2 million for his role in Gladiator II. This figure has been cited in press summaries. It reflects his rising status (co-stars like Denzel Washington earned more), and underscores his transition into leading roles in big-budget films.
Why do people love Paul Mescal?
People love Paul Mescal because of his genuine, heartfelt acting and humble personality. Critics have noted how natural and honest his performances are. He often portrays characters with depth and sensitivity, which resonates with audiences. Off-screen, Mescal is known to be down-to-earth and gracious in interviews. In short, his talent combined with his authenticity and charm has won him many fans.
Who is Paul Mescal’s partner?
Paul Mescal’s long-term romantic partner is singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams. Media outlets report that the two have been dating since mid-2024 and have made public appearances together. They are not married. Mescal tends to keep his relationship private, but he has spoken warmly of Abrams in interviews. Her presence in his life is the one he has publicly acknowledged.
