- Paul Mescal is reportedly set to portray Paul McCartney in a new biopic series about The Beatles
- But the news received mixed reaction on social media
- While some fans praised his appointment, others think that Mescal’s involvement is the wrong casting decision
Paul Mescal is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors – and now the star is reportedly set to portray Paul McCartney in a new series of biopics about The Beatles.
While rumors have been swirling for months that Mescal, 28, will be involved in the project, it was only this week that we appeared to get confirmation that he would be playing the bassist – from none other than Sir Ridley Scott.
In a conversation with Christopher Nolan on December 10, Scott, 87, revealed that he plans for his next project to be the thriller feature The Dog Stars.
When Nolan questioned him about Mescal’s role in the movie – as this had already been reported – Scott confirmed that the actor is set to work with him.
But Scott then corrected himself, and explained that Mescal’s schedule may prevent the pair from reuniting on the new film – as the actor is set to star in The Beatles movies as bassist McCartney.
“Yes,” Scott said in response to the question about whether Mescal would star in The Dog Stars. He then added, “Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
But while some fans are delighted by the news, others are less than impressed.
‘Cast someone else!’
Making their opinions known via Twitter/X, most fans seemed to agree that Mescal’s casting is a “great choice” and that they were “ready to defend it” from naysayers.
“I’m excited for this one,” one user said. Another added, “Fully support my fellow Irish men and women. I wish them nothing but success in their careers.”
A third went on, “Wow. That is a better likeness than I expected. I could see Paul in the role better now. Can Paul Mescal sing or play guitar?”
Someone else said, “The fact they cast Paul mescal as Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles movie… they are brewing something up in that Hollywood lab just for me and I’m scared.”
But others claimed they “couldn’t see it”.
“Look at him, that’s Ringo!” exclaimed one, while another added, “I don’t think Paul Mescal was the perfect casting for Paul McCartney and do wish they went for someone more unknown there but once again we’ve got people who spend their days on Twitter acting like Mescal is the most famous man in the world.”
Others bemoaned the fact that Mescal had been cast in yet another movie.
“Same three actors in every film, what a time to be alive man,” wrote one, seemingly hinting at fellow Irish star Barry Keoghan – who will play drummer Ringo Starr in the biopic – and Austin Butler, who was announced this week to be playing Patrick Bateman in a new adaptation of American Psycho.
“We’re tired bruh, cast new people,” someone else agreed.
But others leapt to Mescal’s defence.
“I do need you guys to start watching more movies if you really think Paul Mescal/Austin Butler/Barry Keoghan are in everything,” someone scolded.
‘Young Paul McCartney should be played by a beautiful woman!’
While some praised Mescal’s incredible acting skills, they still couldn’t help but feel he may not be right for the role – purely because of McCartney’s “feminine energy”.
“Not a commentary on his acting but Paul Mescal is not impish and whimsical, nor does he have the feminine energy or autism swag to play McCartney,” wrote one. “I love Paul Mescal but I’m sorry to say he’s all wrong for this role. Young Paul McCartney should be played by a beautiful woman,” someone else said.
“I love Paul Mescal but he lacks the femininity that Paul McCartney had,” a third mused. “People literally adored him for that.”
“LITERALLY!!” another agreed. “Paul McCartney looked like a waifish doe eyed woman and Paul Mescal is literally the opposite of that.”
‘The worst casting of all time’
And although he is yet to reach 30 years old, others had an issue with Mescal’s age.
“This is so funny if you consider that Paul Mescal is older than Paul McCartney was when The Beatles ended lmfao this movie is about to have the worst Twitter casting of all time,” one laughed.
Someone else said, “Still think they should’ve gotten unknowns, not for lookalike purposes (who cares) but because a huge part of understanding The Beatles is understanding how YOUNG they were.”
Another user agreed. “This!!!!” they wrote. “Paul Mescal is 28 I think, which is older than Paul McCartney was when The Beatles BROKE UP.”
“On the Paul Mescal Paul McCartney… far from the worst pick,” a fourth wrote. “And on the topic of his age, I’ve seen too many biopics where they just threw a wig and different makeup on a person to show that they are younger to care.”Well if there’s one thing we now know about Mescal, it’s how he feels about wearing a wig…
