Paul Mescal is set to star as Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopics that are currently in the works by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes (Skyfall).
After rumours began to circulate back in June, Gladiator II director Ridley Scott let it slip that Mescal has been cast as the Beatles-era Macca in discussion with fellow director Christopher Nolan.
During the Q&A portion of a screening of Gladiator II at the Directors Guild of America last night (December 10), Nolan asked Scott if Mescal would be starring in his next film, The Dog Stars.
“Yes. Maybe,” Scott replied, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”
While no official word has been given by the studio, Mescal was asked about the Beatles project by Entertainment Tonight last month.
“It would be an incredible story to be attached to,” Mescal shared. “The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, like truly, it would be a dream come true.”
However, when he was asked directly if he was attached to the McCartney role, she answered, “No, no, no — we’re not going there.”
News of Mescal being cast follows up Ringo Starr unofficially confirming that Barry Keoghan is currently preparing to play him in the Fab Four films.
"I think it’s great,” Starr told Entertainment Tonight about Keoghan's casting. “I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.”
Mendes will direct four distinct films that will tell the story of each member of the iconic English band. According to a press release, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of John Lennon and George Harrison have all granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
"As conceived by Mendes, who will direct, the four theatrical feature films – one from each band member’s point-of-view – will intersect to tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history," the release adds.