Paul Mescal has confirmed that he will do his own singing when he steps into the role of Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ ambitious upcoming Beatles biopic series, revealing that the experience has deepened his connection to music and songwriting.
The Irish actor, 29, is set to portray McCartney across one of four interconnected films directed by Mendes, each telling the story of The Beatles from a different band member’s perspective. Mescal will star alongside Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, with the films collectively charting the rise and legacy of the most influential band in music history.
Speaking to GQ, Mescal said he would be singing himself in the role, explaining that the preparation process has been transformative. “I’ve learned so much. It’s really inspired a love,” he said. “I’ve always loved music, but getting to play one of the great songwriters and great frontmen has really lit a fire in terms of personally writing music and engaging and hearing music in a different way.”
Mescal also shared that he has met McCartney twice, describing the legendary musician as exceptionally warm and generous. “He’s the most brilliant man,” the Normal People star said. “I feel emotionally attached to him. He received me with great kindness and warmth.”
Reflecting on the scale of the project, Mescal added: “One of the many benefits of shooting a Beatles anthology is that you get to do the job and not talk about the job,” suggesting a desire to let the work speak for itself.
The lead cast was officially unveiled in 2025 during a special CinemaCon presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where Mescal, Dickinson, Quinn and Keoghan appeared together publicly for the first time. The wider ensemble includes Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono, Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey.
First announced in 2024, the project marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd., surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film. Mendes described the undertaking as a chance to “challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” while producer Pippa Harris called it a “uniquely thrilling, epic cinematic experience.”
The four films are scheduled for release in April 2028.
