Ridley Scott confirms Paul Mescal is set to play Paul McCartney in The Beatles biopics
Director Ridley Scott has revealed Paul Mescal has been cast to play Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ upcoming biopics on The Beatles.
The director made the revelation while responding to an interview question about whether he would work with the Irish actor again, Scott said that any future plans might now be on hold as Mescal prepares to transform into the musician.
Scott and Mescal have just completed a major film release circuit together. Mescal stars as Lucius in Scott’s Gladiator II. The movie has been a huge box office success, already grossing $369.7million worldwide against an estimated budget of $250million. As awards season begins, it has also received two Golden Globe nominations.
Clearly, Scott was impressed by the Irish actor as he took a chance on the indie darling who was previously best known for Normal People and Aftersun, bringing him into the ranks of a big action movie and away from his typically more emotive and subtle roles. Nevertheless, Scott seems more than pleased with Mescal’s performance, responding with a resounding “yes” when asked if he would work with the actor again.
However, Scott revealed that that might be on hold as he spilt the news that Mescal had been cast in the upcoming Beatles biopics. “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go,” the director said during a conversation with Christopher Nolan at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.
Mescal’s name has been attached to Mendes’ upcoming Beatles movies for a while, as rumours have buzzed over which actors would be cast to play the four world-famous musicians. With a movie dedicated to each member, this is the first cinematic attempt at covering the band’s story in depth. The group’s team supports the project, with the four films receiving backing from Sony Music and Apple Corps.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight last month, Mescal addressed the ongoing rumours about his involvement in the project. “It would be an incredible story to be attached to,” he said, adding, “The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, like truly, it would be a dream come true.” However, when he was asked about whether he signed onto the films, he was guarded and kept his cards close to his chest, stating, “No, no, no — we’re not going there.”
While there is no official confirmation from the studio, Scott’s revelation that Mescal will be busy with the Beatles adds further substance to the speculation.
Who will play The Beatles in Sam Mendes’ films?
Last month, Ringo Starr let slip that Barry Keoghan will be playing him in the films as he said that the actor has already been taking drum lessons to prepare for the part.
Rumours continue as to who will be cast to play John Lennon and George Harrison. From the moment the films were announced, Harris Dickinson’s name was thrown around, with the Babygirl star the favourite for the role of Lennon. Talking to Dazed, he avoided the question of his involvement by saying, “There’s nothing I can say about that; it might not be true, it might be, I don’t know… there’s a speculation culture.”
The role of George Harrison feels less set in stone. Originally, Charlie Rowe was connected to the musician as rumour flew. However, it now seems that Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn might have bagged the part.
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