OSCAR NOMINEES: Paul Mescal on ‘Hamnet,’ Shakespeare and Building Complex Characters (November 2025)
About this episode
Paul Mescal discusses his role in 'Hamnet' and his journey as an actor.
Paul Mescal has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of his generation and stars in Hamnet, which is nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. In this conversation from November 2025, Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in "Hamnet," working alongside industry legends on "Gladiator II," and how he approaches crafting complex characters. Plus, the "Normal People" and "Aftersun" star reflects on his journey from school musicals to Hollywood.
People in this episode
Host: Willie Geist
Guest: Paul Mescal
Topics covered
- Oscar nominees
- acting
- Shakespeare
- character development
- Hollywood journey
Keywords
- Paul Mescal
- Hamnet
- Shakespeare
- Gladiator II
- Normal People
- Aftersun
- Oscar nominees
- acting
- character development
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Hamnet, Gladiator II, Normal People, Aftersun
More episodes of Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
- Mumford & Sons on New Album “Prizefighter”
- Ryan Reynolds on Balancing Success and Fatherhood
- Nate Bargatze on Success in Comedy and Nateland’s Expansion
- TODAY Presents: The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer – Erin Andrews
- Matthew McConaughey on Acting With His Family and Lessons That Last
- Introducing: The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist podcast page.