title: "Paul Mescal: From Normal People to Gladiator II's $250 Million Leading Man" description: "Paul Mescal went from Irish TV actor to Oscar nominee to leading a $250 million Gladiator sequel. His rapid rise is redefining what a movie star looks like." date: "2025-11-22" author: "sarah-mitchell" category: "Rising Stars" tags: ["paul mescal", "gladiator", "normal people", "oscar", "ridley scott"] image: "https://pollinations.ai/p/athletic-young-man-ancient-roman-aesthetic-intense-gaze-dramatic-lighting-warrior?width=1200&height=630&nologo=true" featured: false
In 2020, Paul Mescal was an unknown Irish actor in a TV adaptation of a Sally Rooney novel. By 2024, he's leading Gladiator II, a $250 million sequel to one of the most beloved films ever made.
That's not a career trajectory. That's a rocket ship.
The Normal People Breakthrough
Normal People (2020) made Paul Mescal famous overnight:
- Hulu/BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel
- Connell Waldron became iconic
- The chain necklace became a phenomenon
- Emmy nomination in his first major role
He was vulnerable, masculine, tender, and complicated. People couldn't look away.
The Chain
Connell's silver chain necklace became a cultural moment:
- Sold out everywhere
- Memes and thirst posts
- Raised money for charity
- Became his signature
A piece of costume jewelry launched a thousand think pieces.
The Irish Theatre Background
Before screens, Paul was a stage actor:
- Trained at The Lir Academy in Dublin
- Theatre work in Ireland
- No film or TV experience
- Classical training
The theatre background shows in his discipline and range.
The Rapid Ascent
Paul's filmography after Normal People:
- The Lost Daughter (2021): Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut
- Aftersun (2022): Oscar nomination
- All of Us Strangers (2023): Critical acclaim
- Foe (2023): Sci-fi drama
- Gladiator II (2024): Blockbuster lead
In four years, he went from unknown to franchise star.
Aftersun and the Oscar Nomination
Aftersun (2022) was his defining performance:
- Played a father on vacation with his daughter
- Subtle, devastating work
- Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- Critics called it one of the decade's best performances
At 27, he was Oscar-nominated. The trajectory was clear.
The Gladiator II Gamble
Ridley Scott cast Paul as Lucius in Gladiator II:
- $250 million budget
- Sequel to Best Picture winner
- Leading a major franchise
- Action star territory
It's the biggest swing of his career. Everything changes based on how it lands.
The Physical Transformation
For Gladiator II, Paul transformed:
- Months of physical training
- Fighting choreography
- Gained significant muscle
- Looks completely different from Connell
He went from skinny Irish boyfriend to Roman warrior.
The Ridley Scott Factor
Ridley Scott chose Paul over bigger names:
- Scott sees something in him
- Trusted him with the legacy
- Gave him the lead over established stars
- Believes he can carry the franchise
When Ridley Scott bets on you, people pay attention.
The Competition
Paul's peers in the young leading man space:
- Timothée Chalamet (more established)
- Austin Butler (similar trajectory)
- Josh O'Connor (Challengers, period pieces)
- Barry Keoghan (character actor path)
Paul is carving out the "sensitive but can do action" lane.
The Andrew Scott Connection
Paul worked with Andrew Scott twice:
- All of Us Strangers (2023)
- Both Irish actors with similar paths
- Both theatre-trained
- Both breaking through in their 30s
The Irish acting pipeline is strong.
The Interviews
Paul in interviews is:
- Self-deprecating
- Genuinely humble
- Uncomfortable with fame
- Focused on the work
He doesn't seem to enjoy the celebrity part. That's either authentic or very good acting.
The GAA Background
Paul played Gaelic football seriously:
- Nearly went professional
- Still follows GAA closely
- Athletic background helps with action
- Irish sporting culture shaped him
The athleticism isn't just gym work—it's lifelong.
The Authenticity
What makes Paul different:
- Doesn't seem to want to be famous
- Takes small, interesting roles between big ones
- Stays in Ireland when possible
- Avoids Hollywood machinery
He's not playing the game the traditional way.
The Music
Paul is also musical:
- Plays guitar
- Has sung in projects
- Musical theatre background
- Another dimension to his talent
The range continues to expand.
The Fashion
Paul has become a fashion presence:
- Wore shorts to an Oscar lunch (viral)
- Works with major brands
- Red carpet choices get attention
- Not traditional leading man style
The shorts thing was either bold or bizarre. Maybe both.
The Relationship Privacy
Paul keeps his personal life quiet:
- Dated Phoebe Bridgers (ended 2023)
- Doesn't discuss relationships
- No social media drama
- Focus stays on work
The lack of tabloid drama helps his artistic credibility.
What Gladiator II Means
If Gladiator II succeeds:
- Franchise star status
- Action hero credibility
- $20M+ quotes
- Choose any project he wants
If it fails:
- Still an acclaimed actor
- Prestige path remains
- Less commercial leverage
- Different career shape
The stakes are real.
The Reviews
Early Gladiator II reviews say:
- Paul holds his own with Denzel Washington
- Action sequences work
- He's believable as a warrior
- Not just indie-actor-in-blockbuster
The gamble appears to be paying off.
The Long Game
Paul's career strategy seems to be:
- Alternate prestige and commercial
- Work with great directors
- Build slowly but surely
- Don't overexpose
It's a smart approach for longevity.
The Legacy Question
What kind of star will Paul Mescal be?
- Character actor who does blockbusters?
- Traditional leading man?
- Prestige specialist?
- All of the above?
He has the talent for any path. The choices will define the legacy.
The Lesson
Paul Mescal's rise teaches:
- Theatre training pays off
- Vulnerability is strength
- Strategic choices matter
- You don't have to play the game
- Talent eventually wins
He went from unknown to Oscar nominee to gladiator in four years.
And he's only 28.
The rise of Paul Mescal is just beginning.
