Paul Mescal Plans Hiatus Until 2028 Beatles Biopic, Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Paul Mescal, the 29-year-old Irish actor who rose to prominence with his Oscar-nominated role in Aftersun in 2022, has revealed his intention to take a significant break from the public eye. In an interview with The Guardian alongside his The History of Sound co-star Josh O’Connor, Mescal stated, “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 elaborated on "rationing" his workload, hoping "nobody gets to see me until 2028 when I’m doing the Beatles."

This decision comes after a whirlwind period in Mescal's career marked by high-profile projects. Following Aftersun, he made his blockbuster debut in Ridley Scott's Gladiator II in 2024, which propelled him into the stratosphere of Hollywood stardom. In 2025 alone, Mescal starred in the indie romance The History of Sound and the awards-buzzed drama Hamnet, the latter generating significant Oscar speculation. These back-to-back releases have kept Mescal in the spotlight, but he acknowledges the toll of constant visibility. "People will get a break from me and I’ll get a break from them," he told The Guardian, highlighting a mutual respite.

Mescal's rapid ascent reflects the demands of modern stardom, where actors are often pushed into multiple releases to capitalize on "hot" status. CinemaBlend notes that while established stars can afford breaks, emerging ones like Mescal risk fading from public consciousness. However, Mescal's strategy appears calculated. His next major commitment is portraying Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' ambitious four-part Beatles biopic anthology, filming simultaneously with co-stars Joseph Quinn, Barry Keoghan, and Harris Dickinson, each taking on a different Beatle. These films are slated for 2028 release, aligning perfectly with his planned disappearance.

This approach may prevent overexposure, a pitfall observed in other rising stars. CinemaBlend references Glen Powell, whose aggressive promotion has led to audience fatigue in some circles. By contrast, Mescal's hiatus could build anticipation for his Beatles portrayal, ensuring a strong return. Despite the break, he may continue private work, as no projects are scheduled for screens before 2028.

Mescal's comments resonate amid broader conversations in the film industry about work-life balance, particularly for actors navigating the post-streaming era's relentless pace. After years of annual major releases, he seeks sustainability after entering the industry around 2020. This mindset echoes sentiments from peers prioritizing mental health over saturation.

Mescal's filmography includes roles that intersect with LGBTQ+ narratives, fostering inclusive storytelling. In The History of Sound , he stars opposite Josh O’Connor in a period romance exploring queer love and identity between two men traveling America to record folk songs in the early 20th century. The film, directed by Oliver Hermanus, has been praised for its tender depiction of same-gender attraction, contributing to visibility for gay and bisexual men in historical contexts.

This role underscores Mescal's affinity for projects affirming diverse sexual orientations. Industry observers note how such performances challenge stereotypes, providing authentic representations that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. As he steps back, Mescal's commitment to thoughtful character work—free from tokenism—positions him as an ally in inclusive cinema. His Beatles biopic, while not explicitly LGBTQ+-themed, joins a lineage of music biopics that have illuminated queer icons like Elton John, potentially extending this legacy through Mendes' vision.

Mescal's break also highlights equity issues for actors from underrepresented backgrounds, including Irish talent in Hollywood. By rationing exposure, he models boundaries that benefit performers of all identities, including transgender people, non-binary individuals, and those across the LGBTQ+ spectrum facing similar pressures. His influence could encourage studios to respect artists' well-being, fostering a more humane industry.

In summary, Mescal's candid admission signals a mature pivot, balancing ambition with self-preservation while his past and future roles champion diverse stories.