Over the last few years Paul Mescal has went from a relatively unknown theatre actor to the star of a major blockbuster film.
The Irish actor landed a number of theatre roles after graduating from university in 2017, however it was 2020 television series Normal People which catapulted him to fame. One of the biggest series of the year, Mescal’s performance as Connell saw him win the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor alongside being nominated for a number of other accolades.
In the years since, Mescal’s career has been on the rise with the actor even having been nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards following his role in Scottish indie-film Aftersun.
He has become best known for his emotional performances, but Mescal has now taken on a new challenge - starring in Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Gladiator sequel.
With the release of Gladiator II, we’ve ranked Paul Mescal’s performances from best to worst (not that there’s a bad one there).
5. Gladiator II
The sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar winning 2000 film, Gladiator II – and Paul Mescal – have big expectations to live up to. Luckily, the Irish actor has proven more than capable of stepping into Russell Crowe’s shoes as the film’s protagonist Lucius, who was last seen as a child in the first film. Having beefed up for the role, Mescal’s performance as the warrior has received plenty of praise though his co-star Denzel Washington is said to steal the show slightly. | Aidan Monaghan/© 2024 Paramount Pictures.
6. The Lost Daughter
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Lost Daughter (2021) was Paul Mescal’s feature film debut. Starring alongside Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman as well as Dakota Johnson, Mescal has a relatively small role in this film however he more than proves himself. | Getty Images
7. Foe
A film in which one of its only redeeming factors is its stars’ performances, Foe sees Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan play a married couple facing a rough patch. Set in the rural midwest in 2065, almost universally critics credit Ronan and Mescal’s chemistry and performances for attempting to salvage Foe’s lacklustre plot. | Met Film Distribution
8. Carmen
One of those films which feels as though it slipped under the radar slightly upon its release in 2022, Carmen features Paul Mescal as a former US Marine on the run with his lover Carmen (Melissa Barrera), an illegal immigrant. While Mescal’s performance here plays to his strengths, it isn't among his best. | Getty Images