Paul Mescal is capturing attention this fall with a bold new look that merges his signature intensity with a rugged, untamed aesthetic. The Irish actor, known for his emotionally complex roles, appears wet, hairy, and shirtless in a recent Rolling Stone cover shoot, amplifying his presence ahead of major upcoming projects.
Mescal’s Upcoming Role as Paul McCartney and Theatrical Pursuits
Among Mescal’s most anticipated endeavors is his role as Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic series, slated for release in 2028. Currently deep in rehearsals, Mescal described his admiration for the legendary musician:
“I’ve met him a couple of times. I adore him. I think he changed the world,”
Paul Mescal told Rolling Stone. He promises to bring both his vocal and instrumental talents to the portrayal, and fans can likely expect an emotionally powerful performance.
Alongside this, Mescal will appear in Hamnet, a new film releasing on November 27, which explores the tragic death of Shakespeare’s son and the inspiration behind the iconic play Hamlet. This role showcases Mescal’s range, shifting from musical biopic to Shakespearean tragedy, a move that promises to highlight his capacity for deeply emotional performances.
Despite the literary weight of his projects, much of the buzz remains fixated on Mescal’s physical transformation for the Rolling Stone shoot. The actor embraces a “wet forest boy” persona with damp shirts clinging to his toned frame, unshaved armpits, and shorts evoking a daring, near-Daisy Dukes style. This gritty and raw image contrasts with his previously polished or tortured roles and marks a striking new visual chapter in his career.
Reflecting on Influences and Personal Journey
Mescal also shared insights into his personal and professional path, including a heartfelt appreciation for his former co-star Andrew Scott from All of Us Strangers. He remarked:
“If God was a real person, I think he would be something like an Andrew Scott.”
The comment resonated widely on social media, especially among fans of both Irish actors.
Tracing his beginnings, Mescal recounted how a high school performance in Phantom of the Opera ignited his passion for acting, shifting his focus away from his earlier involvement in Gaelic football. He recalled that first stage experience as transformative:
“Oh, this [acting] is fully a drug. This is glorious.”
Afterward, he pursued formal training at Dublin’s Lir Academy, where he worked hard to catch up to peers with more years of experience.
Despite the outward confidence and rising fame, Mescal is candid about his struggles. He admitted to a difficult psychological period last year, during which solitude proved necessary for his well-being and creative process:
“I don’t think I was generally in a great spot psychologically last year, and I found it useful to be on my own for that — and also for the films themselves. Kind of a happy accident, I suppose. Not that I would chase that anymore.”
This honesty adds another layer to his evolving public persona.
Why Paul Mescal’s Current Image Resonates
Paul Mescal’s blend of vulnerability, rawness, and controlled intensity is embodied perfectly in this autumn’s visual presentation. From the damp shirt outlining his chest to his untrimmed grooming, he embodies a new kind of masculine aesthetic that is at once primal and captivating. This transformation complements his upcoming dramatic roles and suggests an actor unafraid to explore both physical and emotional extremes.
As Mescal prepares to portray one of the most iconic musicians in history and delve into Shakespearean tragedy, this edgy new image reaffirms his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. The impact of these performances and the striking visual persona he now embraces are likely to shape his career trajectory in profound ways.
https://twitter.com/mescaljpg/status/1967580800079294828
Paul Mescal photographed by Ryan McGinley for Rolling Stone pic.twitter.com/ksS5JU7vAq
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 15, 2025
oh paul mescal and josh o'connor are gonna be perfect in the history of sound pic.twitter.com/bIDdr0MDvR
— mikey (@buckIeydiaz) September 6, 2025
Jessie Buckley on working with Paul Mescal for ‘Hamnet’:
“He's so unusual because he's such a giant of a man and a human, and there's so much sensitivity right below the first layer of his skin, which he lets you see.”
Cover Story: https://t.co/ZCBXq3JXbH pic.twitter.com/L1oFJYkk0n
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) September 15, 2025
