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In Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal had big shoes to fill but he was able to ensure that his character left a lasting impression just like Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator (2000). The sequel by Ridley Scott stars Mescal as Maximus' son, Lucius Verus Aurelius aka Hanno. His mother sends him away from Rome at a young age to protect him from assassins after the death of his father.
Years later, he is captured by the Roman army and sold into slavery. Like his father, he becomes a respected gladiator in the Colosseum and uses his popularity to plot revenge against the Romans. Like its predecessor, Gladiator 2 thrives on larger-than-life sets, intelligent writing, and epic fight scenes. And Paul Mescal's weighted performance certainly added to the overall narrative.
Like Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal has appeared in several notable titles mentioned on this list that every fan should add to their 2025 watchlist.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Normal People, Aftersun and four other titles starring Paul Mescal that showcase the actor's versatility
1) Normal People (2020)
This Paul Mescal show is based on Sally Rooney's novel of the same name and has 12 episodes. The show follows Connell Waldron (Mescal) and Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) who share a complicated relationship that evolves from their days in secondary school to their undergraduate years.
Even though the show explores mature themes, it does so realistically and insightfully helping boost audience connection. The best thing about Normal People has to be the well-rounded characters. Both Marianne and Connell act and feel genuine without falling into the common stereotypes that the audience is used to seeing in similar narratives.
The show isn't meant for a young audience as it does have graphic intimate scenes but they have been shot cinematically so that they don't come across as distasteful.
Where to watch: Normal People is available on Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
2) The Deceived (2020)
Viewers who are fond of cozy mysteries will particularly enjoy this Paul Mescal show which has a total of four episodes. Emily Reid plays Ophelia Marsh, an astute student who falls for her married lecturer, Michael Callaghan (Emmett J Scanlan).
When Michael disappears, she tracks him down only to find that his wife, Roisin (Catherine Walker), has died in a suspicious house fire. Paul Mescal plays Sean, the volunteer firefighter who found Roisin’s body.
The highlight of the show has to be the solid screenplay that connects all the dots in a way that isn't obvious to the viewer from the get-go but seems plausible when the narrative edges closer to its satisfying conclusion.
Where to watch: The Deceived is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
3) God's Creatures (2022)
Directed by Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer, this A24 movie stars Emily Watson, Aisling Franciosi, Paul Mescal, and others. Watson plays Aileen, who works at the local seafood processing plant. When her estranged son Brian (Paul Mescal), returns after an unexplained move to Australia, she is happy to have him back at first. However, when she is compelled to tell a lie to protect him, the repercussions of the same threaten her family and the close-knit community she is a part of.
Although it is a slow burn, this Paul Mescal movie stands out for its impactful narrative that explores the depths of a mother's love. It raises pertinent questions about the choices people make when they find themselves in tough situations. The moody aesthetic complements the complex emotions experienced by the central characters.
Where to watch: God's Creatures is available on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
4) Aftersun (2022)
This movie marks Charlotte Wells' feature directorial debut and is loosely based on her own experiences. It stars Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio in the lead. The movie focuses on a holiday wherein 11-year-old Sophie Patterson (Corio) traveled to a Turkish holiday resort in 1999 with her father, Calum (Mescal).
While Sarah deals with the issues that come with adolescence, her father feels overwhelmed with the struggles of adulthood. The beauty of Aftersun is that it banks on a simple story that realistically depicts familial love, depression, and trauma.
The film works because Corio and Mescal are able to personify this unusual family dynamic wherein young Sophie takes on a more mature role whenever the adult Calum feels bogged down with the pressures of reality.
Where to watch: Aftersun can be streamed on Netflix, MUBI and Prime Video.
5) All of Us Strangers (2023)
Inspired by Taichi Yamada's novel Strangers, this romance fantasy by Andrew Haigh stars Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal in the lead. Scott plays Adam, a lonely screenwriter based out of London. His life takes a strange turn when he visits his family home to find that his deceased parents are alive once again.
As he wraps his head around this strange set of events, he also becomes romantically involved with his neighbor Harry (Mescal). At its core, All of Us Strangers is about coming to terms with loss and trauma.
Both Harry and Adam are flawed in their own ways but they have an endearing relationship that is understanding and affirming which will surely leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Where to watch: All of Us Strangers can be viewed on Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) Foe (2023)
Another adaptation starring Paul Mescal, Foe by Garth Davis is based on Iain Reid's novel. In the lead are Mescal and Saoirse Ronan, who play a young couple, Junior and Hen. They have an ordinary, quiet life but all that changes when they are approached by Aaron Pierre's Terrance who reveals that Junior has been selected to travel to a large space station.
In terms of its premise, it has sci-fi elements but the real focus is on the relationship drama between the central characters. The highlight of the movie has to be the compelling performance by Mescal, Ronan, and Pierre. They do justice to their characters and keep the viewers hooked on the emotional and intense narrative.
Where to watch: Foe is available for streaming on MUBI, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
Fans of Paul Mescal should make a point to watch these engaging movies and shows because they showcase the actor's ability to deliver impactful performances that stay with the viewer.
