OSCAR NOMINEES: Paul Mescal on ‘Hamnet,’ Shakespeare and Building Complex Characters (November 2025)
About this episode
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.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
Ryan Reynolds on Balancing Success and Fatherhood
Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
Nate Bargatze on Success in Comedy and Nateland’s Expansion
Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
TODAY Presents: The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer – Erin Andrews
Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
Matthew McConaughey on Acting With His Family and Lessons That Last
Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist