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Paul Mescal Stunned by Actor Agency in Hollywood's Global Era

Hollywood actor Paul Mescal has expressed astonishment at the level of "agency" and control he commands in the industry. He credits his ability to work on passion projects early in his career to a clear-minded approach and knowing what films he wants to make. Mescal highlights the privilege of having access to set up meetings with top directors, countering the fear that Hollywood strips actors of their autonomy. He also observes that the concept of a "Hollywood actor" is becoming more globalized, allowing success from anywhere in the world.

Key Points: Paul Mescal on Actor Agency and Hollywood Globalization

  • Actor expresses surprise at career control
  • Credits clarity for passion projects
  • Notes global shift in Hollywood
  • Emphasizes privilege of access
2 min read

Paul Mescal is stunned by the level of 'agency' he commands in industry

Paul Mescal shares his surprise at the control actors have over their careers and discusses the globalization of Hollywood.

"I think the thing that has surprised me is that you have more agency as an actor than you think you do... - Paul Mescal"

Los Angeles, Jan 8

Hollywood actor Paul Mescal has expressed his disbelief at the amount of "agency" he has as an actor in the industry.

The Hamnet star has been able to work on passion projects at an early stage of his career and believes it comes from being clear-minded in his approach to the industry, reports 'Female First UK'.

Paul told Collider, "I think the thing that has surprised me is that you have more agency as an actor than you think you do if you know what films you want to make. I've always assumed that there's this kind of success, and then you are suddenly in 'Fast and Furious 12'. And it was weird, those things never came my way, actually, because I never really went looking for them".

The actor continued, "That's what I mean by the control you have. If you know what you want to make, and you know who you want to work with, it's a wild privilege because you have access. You can set up a meeting with Chloe Zhao in the mountains in Telluride and have a conversation, and that's really exciting, but it also feels like you have agency. Because I was always afraid that the concept of Hollywood takes that agency away, and I'm sure it does for some actors".

As per 'Female First UK', Paul Mescal, 29, feels that "Hollywood actors" are now more global than they were in the past.

He said, "When you don't grow up in the ecosystem of that, like I grew up in Maynooth, it's not like growing up in London and having actors and the industry around you. I suppose being an actor in London, to me, feels the same as being an actor in Hollywood".

"I think the world is kind of becoming more globalised, and it feels like you can be a 'Hollywood actor', in inverted commas, kind of anywhere in the world now, which is cool", he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
His point about globalisation is spot on! Look at our own Indian actors - Priyanka Chopra, Ali Fazal, Sobhita Dhulipala making their mark internationally. You don't need to be in LA or London anymore. The world is your stage if you have the talent and drive.
R
Rohit P
"Being clear-minded in his approach" – this is the key takeaway for any professional, not just actors. In our Indian film industry, the pressure to do masala films for quick success is huge. It takes guts to stick to your vision. Respect.
S
Sarah B
While his perspective is interesting, I feel it's a bit privileged. He acknowledges Hollywood takes agency away from "some actors". For every Paul Mescal, there are hundreds struggling without connections or the luck of a breakout role like *Normal People*. The industry isn't this accessible for most.
K
Karthik V
True yaar! Growing up in Maynooth vs London is like growing up in a small town in Kerala vs Mumbai. But today, with OTT platforms, talent from anywhere can be seen. Malayalam cinema's global acclaim is proof. The power is shifting to the artist.
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Nisha Z
Love this interview! It's so important for young actors here to hear this. Don't just chase the khans and the superstardom. Build a body of meaningful work. The audience is evolving and appreciates good storytelling now, be it Hollywood or Pollywood.

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