Paul Mescal, who played "Harry" in the recently released British romantic fantasy "All of Us Strangers," has a more "serious" gig lined up: playing the young version of the world-famous bard, William Shakespeare.
Mescal will take on the role in Chloé Zhao's film adaptation of the "Hamnet" novel by Maggie O'Farrel. Consequently, O'Farrel will also be contributing script work for the movie.
LOS ANGELES - MAR 04: Paul Mescal arrives for the Independent Spirit Awards on March 04, 2023 in Santa Monica, CA
'Hamnet,' an Equally 'Devastating' and Enthralling Story
Mescal spoke to Vogue about the novel and his upcoming role in its film adaptation during promotion for "All of Us Strangers," saying that the novel itself was "devastating" but he "can't wait" to appear opposite of Jessie Buckley, who will play the bard's wife "Anne Hathaway" (named "Agnes" in the book).
The story explores the tragic loss of Shakespeare's 11-year-old son and namesake of the film, as the poet traverses grief and reconciliation of that fact after "Hamnet" passes away due to the plague.
Of the opportunity, Mescal said: "If I told a younger version of myself that this would be [shooting] this year, I wouldn't believe it." He also expressed his excitement getting to work again with Buckley, after being co-stars in Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Lost Daughter."
"I think she's one of our present-day greats," said Mescal, describing Buckley's acting prowess. Indeed, both he and the actress are Olivier Award winners, Mescal for his performance in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and Buckley for her role in "Cabaret."
Mescal also praised the assuming director of the Shakespeare film, saying, "Chloé is somebody I can't wait to get in the weeds with and get into the heads of those characters."
Zhao herself is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, with her "Nomadland" film earning a total of three Oscars wins in 2021. However, her Marvel directorial debut film, "Eternals," wasn't as well received as her previous critically acclaimed release.
"Hamnet" will be her next project, and with a distinct and gripping story at her feet alongside brilliant actors in Buckley and Mescal, perhaps a return to prestige is in order.
