Paul McCartney played bass guitar and piano and was the band’s primary songwriter and vocalist alongside John Lennon. He’s also one of the most famous musicians who plays left-handed bass and guitar, which will be a key detail to replicate in the biopic.
Irish actor Paul Mescal , who currently stars in Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” seems to be the frontrunner for the McCartney role, with rumors beginning since the summer. Even though it hasn’t been officially announced, “Gladiator II” director Ridley Scott more or less confirmed the rumors in a conversation with Christopher Nolan on Tuesday at the Directors Guild of America, saying, “Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next.” Unnamed sources confirmed the casting to Variety.
If Mescal is indeed cast, it turns out he does have a musical background that could make him the right fit for McCartney. He can sing and play multiple instruments, including the guitar, piano, violin and flute. Audiences can find Mescal’s work on YouTube. Posted 12 years ago, in which he sang and performed in Meath Youth Musical Society’s production of “Les Miserables.”
Mescal also comes from a musical family, his sister, Nell Mescal is an independent artist and the siblings have sung a duet together on YouTube. In 2022, the actor also released a single “Slip Away” for the musical drama adaptation of “Carmen.”