John Lennon's Sister Criticizes Paul Mescal Beatles Biopic Casting

Paul Mescal, an Irish actor recently acclaimed for his role in The History of Sound, has voiced frustration about Hollywood's shift away from traditional 'alpha male' roles and criticized what he calls 'lazy' storytelling and comparisons to gay characters in Brokeback Mountain. Despite Mescal's complaints about the state of masculinity in cinema, John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, has criticized his pervasive presence in the industry, particularly taking issue with his casting as Sir Paul McCartney in the upcoming Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes. Baird argues that there are many Liverpool actors waiting for opportunities and questions why casting directors overlooked local talent, particularly regarding the authenticity of accents. She expressed skepticism about Mescal's ability to convincingly portray a Liverpool accent, noting that many actors have historically struggled with it. This criticism highlights broader debates about representation, casting politics, and opportunities for lesser-known actors. Meanwhile, Mescal continues to enjoy a privileged position in film with multiple leading roles, underscoring the tension between his personal frustrations and his career success.