Paul Mescal plans to ration acting work after intense ‘Hamnet’ awards run

Paul Mescal says he’ll begin rationing roles after Hamnet, hoping to step back from the spotlight until 2028

Paul Mescal says he is preparing to slow down his rapidly accelerating career following an intense awards season for Hamnet, signaling a desire to step away from the spotlight until his next major project arrives in 2028.

The Irish actor, who broke out with Aftersun in 2022 and earned his first Academy Award nomination, has spent the past few years juggling high-profile roles across blockbuster and independent films. After making his franchise debut in Gladiator II in 2024, Mescal starred in indie romance The History of Sound and Chloe Zhao’s historical drama Hamnet, which has generated strong awards buzz.

Speaking to The Guardian, Mescal acknowledged that the pace of his work has become difficult to sustain. He said he plans to begin “rationing” his workload, not necessarily by doing fewer projects, but by being more selective about the emotional demands of each role. According to Mescal, films like The History of Sound require a deeper creative investment that can’t be repeated endlessly without risking burnout.

Mescal also shared that he is considering a return to the stage, noting that theater may become his primary focus for a period. He added that personal priorities outside of acting are also influencing his decision to step back.

Despite concerns that taking time away could slow his momentum, Mescal said the alternative — resenting his work — is not an option. “I don’t want to resent the thing I love,” he explained.

Currently, Mescal’s only long-term commitment is Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles anthology films, in which he will portray Paul McCartney alongside Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan. The films are scheduled for release in 2028. Until then, Mescal hopes audiences — and he himself — will get a well-earned break once the Hamnet promotional cycle concludes.