Paul Mescal reveals hopes to take a 'break' from the spotlight: 'I don’t want to resent the thing I love'

Paul Mescal has revealed he hopes to take a “break” from the spotlight.

The Irish actor shot to global fame in Normal People in 2020, and has since appeared in major blockbuster hits – including Gladiator II, All of Us Strangers, and Aftersun.

While the 29-year-old has been making the most of his popularity, Paul has learned he needs to be more selective with the projects he takes on.

Speaking to The Guardian, Paul said: “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.”

When asked if he is rationing himself, he replied: “I think so. I’m gonna have to start doing that. For sure.

“Rationing doesn’t necessarily mean less. It means learning that films like 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.”

The Kildare native plays Lionel in the film, which follows his character’s relationship with David (played by Josh O’Connor) after the pair meet in 1917 at the New England Conservatory, and following the First World War, before travelling together to record folk songs in rural Maine in winter 1920.

Paul continued: “What that (career) 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.

“I also have different priorities in my personal life that I want to attend to.

“I don’t want to resent the thing I love. This sounds bold, but I’d rather not be on the train if that is the choice.”

Paul is currently promoting Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, in which he plays William Shakespeare opposite Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who plays his wife Agnes.

“Once I’ve finished promoting that, I hope nobody gets to see me until 2028 when I’m doing the Beatles,” he confessed.

“People will get a break from me and I’ll get a break from them.”

Being more selective with his projects, Paul hopes to make more films like The History Of Sound, rather than the scale of a movie like Gladiator II.

“I loved the process of making that film but The History of Sound felt like home to me. It’s where I’m most comfortable,” he added.

“I want to make more films like that versus ones on the scale of Gladiator II.”

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