Stars Paul Mescal and Cillian Murphy were spotted in high spirits at a special London screening of the acclaimed film Hamnet this week. The event, held on Wednesday, saw the two Irish actors take to the stage for a post-screening discussion about the movie, which has been named one of the top ten films of 2025.
London Screening Draws Acclaimed Stars
The screening in London brought together the talents behind the celebrated historical drama. Paul Mescal, 29, who portrays a young William Shakespeare in the film, was interviewed on stage by fellow actor Cillian Murphy, 49. The Oppenheimer star led a conversation about Mescal's role, which explores Shakespeare's grief alongside his wife Agnes following the death of their son, Hamnet.
For the casual event, Mescal opted for a denim shirt and navy trousers, while Murphy chose a sleek all-black ensemble. The film itself has garnered significant critical praise since its release, earning a place on the American Film Institute's list of the top ten films of 2025. Furthermore, Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes, has already secured both a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for Best Actress for her powerful performance.
Mescal's Personal Priorities Take Centre Stage
The London event comes shortly after Paul Mescal made rare personal revelations in a recent interview. The actor, who is currently filming a new Beatles biopic where he plays Paul McCartney, announced his intention to 'slow down' his career to focus more on his loved ones. Reflecting on turning 30 next month, Mescal explained his shifting mindset on GQ's '21 Questions to Fall in Love' YouTube series.
'I really enjoyed the rhythm I've been working at. I think that process began when I was 23 and I'm now turning 30,' he said. 'I can feel myself wanting to slow down a bit more and certain priorities come in where I spend my time, whether that's with my family or with my partner or with friends.'
Mescal, who rarely discusses his private life, spoke about his relationship with singer Gracie Abrams, 26, the daughter of director J.J. Abrams. He admitted that his relentless work schedule since graduating from The Lir Academy in Dublin in 2017 has allowed for only brief breaks, usually spent preparing for the next role.
Future Plans: Family, Travel, and Baseball
The Normal People star's desire for a better work-life balance includes concrete plans. He expressed a wish to take a six-week backpacking holiday in South America and has been discussing the trip with a friend. More profoundly, Mescal has previously told Rolling Stone about his hopes for fatherhood, stating, 'I would love to have a family... I would love to have kids.'
His time in the United States with girlfriend Gracie Abrams has also sparked a new, unexpected passion: baseball. Mescal has become a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox, attending games at Fenway Park and watching highlights daily. 'I take baseball very seriously now,' he confessed, attributing his fandom to a 'partner connection' rather than any Irish-Boston heritage.
As Hamnet continues to receive rave reviews and awards attention, Paul Mescal's latest comments signal a thoughtful pivot for the in-demand actor, one where personal fulfilment is set to share the spotlight with his professional achievements.
