Paul Mescal Has Been Cast as Paul McCartney in Upcoming Beatles Biopics, SpillsGladiator IIDirector Ridley Scott

Mar. 15, 2025

Paul Mescal (Left) and Paul McCartney.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty; Bettmann Archive/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty; Bettmann Archive/Getty

Gladiator IIstarPaul Mescalis going to play Beatles frontmanPaul McCartney, according to Ridley Scott.

During a conversation with directorChristopher Nolanthat followed aGladiatior IIscreening held at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, Scott confirmed that his next feature will be a thriller titledThe Dog Stars. But when Nolan asked if Mescal was set to star in that film, Scott confirmed that that was once the plan, but that Mescal’s busy schedule would interfere with the project.

According toThe Hollywood Reporter, that’s when he let it slip and told Nolan that “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

Paul Mescal attends the “Gladiator II” Los Angeles Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Nov. 18, 2024, in Hollywood, California.Phillip Faraone/Getty

Phillip Faraone/Getty

“It would be an incredible story to be attached to,” Mescal toldEntertainment Tonightwhen pressed about the rumors. “The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, like truly, it would be a dream come true.”

The isn’t the first big casting slip, either. Last month, Beatles percussionist Starr toldEntertainment TonightthatSaltburnstar Barry Keoghan was set to play him. “I think it’s great,”he told the outletwhen asked about his reaction to Keoghan’s rumored casting. “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.”

Paul McCartney of The Beatles.Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

All four movies are expected to release worldwide in 2027, with a press release noting that the project is the first time Apple Corps Ltd. andThe Beatleshave granted the rights to their life stories and music for a feature-length film.

“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies," Mendes said in a statement regarding the project.

“We intend this to be a uniquely thrilling, and epic cinematic experience: four films, told from four different perspectives which tell a single story about the most celebrated band of all time,” Pippa Harris, Mendes' production partner at Neal Street, added in a statement. “To have The Beatles’ and Apple Corps’ blessing to do this is an immense privilege."

source: people.com