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Since his breakout role in the Emmy-nominated series Normal People, Paul Mescal has rapidly emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed and sought-after actors of his generation. From indie dramas to major studio blockbusters, his versatility and gravitas have earned him a prominent place in the landscape of global cinema. As the entertainment world eagerly anticipates his next moves, we take a deep dive into Paul Mescal’s upcoming movies, charting his incredible trajectory and exploring the impact he’s poised to make across genres and international markets.
Paul Mescal in Gladiator II: A legacy sequel that redefines epic storytelling
One of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory, Gladiator II positions Paul Mescal in the central role of Lucius, the grown-up son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film is slated for release in November 2024 and is being hailed as a bold continuation of the Oscar-winning 2000 classic.
Mescal’s casting in Gladiator II was confirmed in early 2023 by Deadline, marking a major leap in his career. As Scott told Empire Magazine, “Paul has this fierce intensity that reminded me of a young Russell Crowe. He doesn’t act — he inhabits.”
The film’s production has already drawn global attention, not just for its nostalgic resonance but for the strength of its ensemble cast, including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Barry Keoghan. With a reported budget exceeding $250 million, Gladiator II stands as a testament to Paul Mescal’s growing bankability in both Hollywood and international markets.
Paul Mescal’s emotional depth takes centre stage in A Spy by Nature
Adapted from Charles Cumming’s debut novel, A Spy by Nature offers Paul Mescal the chance to delve into the morally ambiguous world of espionage. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), the film casts Mescal as Alec Milius, a young British intelligence recruit with a knack for manipulation and deception.
Speaking to The Guardian, Macdonald noted, “Paul Mescal has a unique ability to project both vulnerability and cunning — which is exactly what Alec Milius demands.”
Filming began in late 2023, with production spanning London, Berlin, and Istanbul. The film promises to explore the psychological toll of spycraft, offering a layered and cerebral performance from Paul Mescal that is likely to elevate him within the genre.
Paul Mescal stars opposite Saoirse Ronan in Foe: A dystopian romance with philosophical undertones
In Foe, based on Iain Reid’s novel, Paul Mescal stars alongside fellow Irish actor Saoirse Ronan in a near-future drama that tackles artificial intelligence, memory, and identity. Directed by Garth Davis (Lion), the film premiered at the 2023 New York Film Festival and is scheduled for wide release in late 2024.
Set in a climate-ravaged future, Foe follows a couple grappling with the possibility of replacement by synthetic beings. Critics who attended early screenings praised Paul Mescal’s nuanced portrayal of emotional erosion in a relationship strained by technology and alienation.
According to Variety, Mescal’s performance was described as “devastatingly controlled and quietly shattering.” The film has already sparked Oscar buzz, particularly for the chemistry between Mescal and Ronan, who are both known for their emotionally raw performances.
Paul Mescal’s versatility on display in Carmen: A musical reimagination of a timeless tale
Directed by Benjamin Millepied, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, Carmen reinterprets the iconic opera as a contemporary dance-infused musical. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2022, the film stars Paul Mescal as Aidan, a U.S. Marine who deserts his post and becomes romantically entangled with the titular character.
While the film received mixed critical reactions, Mescal’s performance was widely praised. IndieWire commented, “Paul Mescal brings a raw physicality and romantic melancholy to a story that’s otherwise hard to modernise.”
This role allowed Paul Mescal to explore the musical and choreographic aspects of performance, further showcasing his range beyond traditional acting.
Paul Mescal explores grief and silence in Strangers, a psychological mystery by Andrew Haigh
Andrew Haigh’s Strangers pairs Paul Mescal with Andrew Scott and Claire Foy in a story that blends the surreal with the intimately personal. Set in London, the film follows a screenwriter (Scott) who encounters his long-deceased parents and a mysterious neighbour (Mescal).
Based loosely on Taichi Yamada’s Japanese novel of the same name, Strangers had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in 2023 and is due for international release in mid-2025.
Haigh, known for 45 Years and Weekend, brings a delicate, introspective style to the film. “Paul Mescal operates in silences,” he told Sight and Sound. “He doesn’t need to speak to communicate everything.” This role is already being discussed in awards circles for its emotional depth and subtlety.
Paul Mescal joins The History of Sound: A queer period drama that redefines wartime narratives
Set during World War I, The History of Sound stars Paul Mescal opposite Josh O’Connor in a story of intimacy, music, and memory. Based on Ben Shattuck’s short story, the film is directed by Oliver Hermanus (Living) and is currently in post-production, with a release date expected in early 2026.
The film chronicles two young men travelling across the American landscape to record the lives and voices of their fellow countrymen during the war. In doing so, they discover an unexpected emotional and romantic connection.
Speaking to Variety, Hermanus noted, “Paul Mescal’s commitment to emotional truth is astounding. He doesn’t perform queerness; he embodies human connection.”
The film is already drawing comparisons to Call Me by Your Name, and with its rich historical textures and lyrical storytelling, it is poised to become a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema.
Paul Mescal ventures into psychological horror with Bring Them Down
Set against the backdrop of the Irish countryside, Bring Them Down is a dark, atmospheric thriller directed by Christopher Andrews. The film stars Paul Mescal as Michael, a reclusive gamekeeper drawn into a violent feud following a tragic accident.
The movie also features Tom Burke and is being co-produced by Mubi, with financing from Screen Ireland. Slated for release in late 2025, the film marks Mescal’s foray into more intense, genre-driven storytelling.
“Paul Mescal has this stillness that’s terrifying,” Andrews told The Irish Times. “He lets the darkness simmer under the surface.”
Early footage previewed at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin suggested that Bring Them Down will be a gripping, slow-burn descent into psychological trauma — a far cry from Mescal’s previous romantic and dramatic roles.
Paul Mescal’s career strategy: From indie darling to global box office force
What sets Paul Mescal apart in a saturated field of rising stars is his meticulous choice of roles. Rather than chasing fame, he has consistently opted for complex characters, grounded scripts, and collaborations with auteur directors. This calculated approach is evident in the wide spectrum of his upcoming movies — from historical epics and sci-fi romance to intimate character studies.
According to Forbes, Mescal’s stock in the industry has risen significantly post his Academy Award nomination for Aftersun. While his salaries remain modest compared to blockbuster mainstays, his films increasingly command critical attention and festival prestige — attributes that often translate to long-term industry clout.
Final thoughts: Why Paul Mescal is the future of nuanced, international cinema
Paul Mescal’s upcoming movies reflect not just a rising actor, but a redefining force in contemporary storytelling. His commitment to emotional authenticity, cultural specificity, and narrative diversity makes him an artist whose career is being watched — and studied — by industry insiders and audiences alike.
Whether he’s donning gladiatorial armour or dissecting a fractured relationship in a dystopian future, Paul Mescal brings a rare honesty and gravitas to every role. As the curtain rises on this next phase of his journey, one thing is certain: Paul Mescal is not just acting — he’s building a legacy.
Disclaimer: Business Upturn doesn’t gurantees the accuracy of the information.