Paul Mescal reveals film that reshaped how he thinks about connection

Paul Mescal says working on Hamnet has changed the way he thinks about connection and support.

The 29-year-old actor, who plays William Shakespeare in the Chloe Zhao–directed film, tells E! News that the story reminded him how much people rely on one another.

“If this film taught me anything, it’s that you can’t be your best self without the people who support you,” he said in a recent interview.

Mescal also admitted he felt relieved after the film’s strong early reviews. He told IndieWire that seeing audiences understand what the cast and crew set out to create lifted a weight off their shoulders.

“Having a film premiere in any context is like giving a baby out into the world… It’s a big, big relief.”

While he admits to enjoying large-scale projects, he feels more drawn to smaller, character-driven stories. Though having recently starred in the blockbuster Gladiator II, Mescal says he still considers indie films his “bread and butter.” 

"My dad showed me Gladiator when I was 13. I was obsessed with the battle sequences. But Aftersun and things like that [indie movies], that’s my bread and butter in terms of what I’m drawn to as an actor," he told The Hollywood Reporter.