Actors Paul Mescal, Josh O'Connor, and Ethan Hawke have recently provided insights into their current and future projects, career philosophies, and perspectives on the film industry. Mescal and O'Connor discussed their co-starring role in the upcoming film The History of Sound and their individual career trajectories, while Hawke detailed his campaign for Blue Moon, his three-decade collaboration with director Richard Linklater, and his advocacy for independent cinema.
The History of Sound and Featured Collaborations
Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor are set to co-star in The History of Sound, described as a wartime love story. In the film, Mescal portrays Lionel, a singer from the American South, and O'Connor plays David, a musicologist. The narrative follows their reunion after David's service in the First World War, as they undertake an expedition in rural Maine to record folk songs on wax cylinders. Both actors were attached to the project for four years during its funding acquisition phase. O'Connor, who has known Mescal since 2020, referred to Mescal's film Aftersun as noteworthy.
Ethan Hawke's latest project, Blue Moon, marks another collaboration with director Richard Linklater, a partnership that has spanned over three decades and includes multiple shared Oscar nominations for their screenplays in the "Before" series. Blue Moon is set in 1943 New York and features Hawke as songwriter Lorenz Hart. Hawke has mentioned an additional upcoming project with Linklater.
Paul Mescal: Career Highlights and Future Engagements
Paul Mescal received an Academy Award nomination in 2023 for his role in Charlotte Wells's Aftersun, following his lead role in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People. The Oscar was awarded to Brendan Fraser.
Mescal transitioned to filming The History of Sound directly after completing the Gladiator sequel, a role for which he adjusted his weight from 90kg to 78kg over an eight-week period. He has stated a preference for participating in films of a similar scale to The History of Sound over larger productions like the Gladiator sequel.
Mescal's upcoming roles include portraying Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes's quartet of Beatles movies, scheduled for release in 2028. He is also involved in Richard Linklater's adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, a production anticipated to span two decades with an estimated release around 2040. Mescal has indicated a potential adjustment to his career management, considering a reduction in acting frequency to maintain his passion and prioritize personal commitments, while also expressing interest in performing in theatre. He anticipates a period of reduced public visibility after promoting his film Hamnet, with a planned return to public engagements for the Beatles films in 2028.
Josh O'Connor: Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Josh O'Connor's role in The History of Sound involves singing, a component he commented on regarding its inherent vulnerability. O'Connor has a history of involvement in music, having previously been part of bands named Orange Output and Klang.
His upcoming projects include Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and The Mastermind. O'Connor has also stated plans to take time away from acting.
Ethan Hawke: Independent Film Advocacy and Career Evolution
Ethan Hawke has been engaged in a campaign for his role in Blue Moon, for which he has received Golden Globe and Actor Awards nominations. This campaign could potentially lead to his first Academy Award nomination in a lead role. Hawke considers Blue Moon a significant project that draws upon his three decades of acting experience. He noted a previous regret about not campaigning more extensively for First Reformed (2017).
Hawke has underscored the necessity of supporting independent films, such as Blue Moon, to ensure their continued production and cultural relevance, particularly amidst current industry challenges. He cited the financial difficulties faced by independent filmmakers, referencing challenges encountered during the production of his film Tesla and broader struggles for directors to secure funding. He describes himself as an "ambassador for independent film," acknowledging the demanding nature of campaigning for smaller films when competing with larger productions.
Hawke's career has included supporting nominations for Training Day (2001) and Boyhood (2015). He describes his career progression as a conscious transition from a leading man to a character actor, aiming to integrate aspects of both. He referenced his involvement in Hamlet (2000) as an artistic turning point and balances his participation in commercial projects, such as Black Phone 2, with his work on independent films.
Shared Industry Perspectives: Film, Theater, and Career Management
All three actors have discussed aspects of their professional approaches and observations on the entertainment industry.
- Balancing Production Scales: Paul Mescal indicated a preference for smaller-scale projects. Ethan Hawke balances his involvement in commercial productions with independent films, advocating for the nurturing of smaller films.
- The Role of Theater: Mescal expressed an interest in performing in theatre. Hawke articulated a preference for live theater, viewing it as a contrast to digital trends and discussions around artificial intelligence, while observing the enduring appeal of live events.
- Career Management: Mescal indicated a potential need to reduce his acting commitments, citing a desire to preserve his passion and focus on personal priorities. O'Connor also stated plans to take time away from acting. Mescal and O'Connor discussed the immersive nature of their work and the impact of characters on personal well-being.