Paul Mescal Clears Up Comments About Taking a Break from Acting

A recent interview comment from Paul Mescal stirred speculation about his future in acting. The reaction came swiftly, but so did his clarification.

Paul Mescal is setting the record straight after comments he made in a recent interview sparked speculation about whether he’s stepping back from acting.

In an interview published by The Guardian on January 2, the 29-year-old Irish actor said, “I’m five or six years into this now, and I feel very lucky. But I’m also learning that I don’t think I can go on doing it as much.”

When asked if he meant he would start rationing his work, Mescal replied, “I think so. I’m gonna have to start doing that. For sure.”

He explained that “rationing” doesn’t mean working less overall, but being more mindful about the kinds of projects he takes on, especially those that are emotionally demanding. He added that he might focus on theatre for a while and wants to make more time for personal priorities.

Mescal also revealed that he’s looking forward to a stretch of time away from the public eye. “Once I’ve finished promoting that, I hope nobody gets to see me until 2028 when I’m doing the Beatles,” he said. “People will get a break from me, and I’ll get a break from them.”

That comment drew headlines, with some suggesting he was stepping back from acting altogether. But in a follow-up conversation with People, Mescal clarified that’s not the case.

“Oh, what I mean by that is that I'm excited for the period of time that will fundamentally exist where I won't be promoting anything,” he said.

Speaking on the red carpet at the Critics Choice Awards, he also told Variety, “I couldn’t be further from retiring, to be clear. Essentially, I have nothing to promote after "Hamnet" for the next two years.”

While Mescal is taking a break from promotional duties, he’s still active professionally. He recently wrapped filming for director Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles biopics, in which he plays Paul McCartney, and he’s also attached to Richard Linklater’s "Merrily We Roll Along," which is being filmed over two decades.

Mescal summed it up simply in his People interview: “I would really lose my mind if I took two years off [from] of my job. But what I'm excited about is the concept of not being on a promotional tour for the next two years.” He added with a laugh, “I think it'll give people a welcome break from seeing my face.”