Ridley Scott Announces Paul Mescal Will Star in Sony's Beatles Films

Ridley Scott's plans to collaborate again with Paul Mescal might be delayed due to the Beatles. In a discussion with fellow director Christopher Nolan following a screening of Scott’s latest film, Gladiator II, at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Scott mentioned that his next project is the thriller The Dog Stars. When Nolan inquired if Mescal would star in the film, as recently reported, Scott initially confirmed this but then corrected himself, noting that Mescal’s schedule might prevent them from reuniting on the new film. Scott explained that the actor is set to star in Sony Pictures' Beatles movies directed by Sam Mendes so reports The Hollywood Reporter.

“Yes,” Scott replied when asked if Mescal would star in The Dog Stars. He then added, “Maybe. Paul is actually committed to doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

Although this casting has not been confirmed by the studio, Mescal is rumored to be a leading choice to portray Paul McCartney in the upcoming four biopics that Mendes plans to create about the famed Fab Four. Each film will be released in theaters and focus on a different member of the band: McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight last month, Mescal was asked about the possibility of playing McCartney, given the rumors. “It would be an incredible story to be involved with,” Mescal said cautiously at the time. “With Sam Mendes directing, it truly would be a dream come true.” When asked if he would indeed play McCartney, Mescal was unwilling to confirm: “No, no, no — we’re not going there.”

Also last month, Beatles drummer Starr told Entertainment Tonight that Barry Keoghan will portray him in the films and that he understands the actor has been taking drum lessons. There are also rumors that Joseph Quinn has been considered for a role.

At the time of Starr’s comments, no casting deals had been finalized. The Hollywood Reporter has contacted Sony for comments on Scott’s statements.

“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman previously told THR about the studio’s project that received approval from the Beatles’ label Apple Corps. “There hasn’t been an endeavor like this before, and you can’t approach it with traditional release strategies.” Mescal is also recognized for his breakout role in Normal People, which earned him an Emmy nomination, and for his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Aftersun.