Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Should Do Joint Interviews Forever

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Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor are so close that they can barely keep a straight face when interviewing together about their new film, *The History of Sound*. Their director, Oliver Hermanus, noticed this playful connection at the Cannes premiere, describing them as having a strong and mischievous bond. That playful energy hasn’t faded – they constantly tease each other about everything from their voices to their stories. It’s hard for them to answer even a single question without bursting into laughter and side conversations, often forgetting what they were even asked. During one moment, when Mescal mumbled, O’Connor jokingly demanded he repeat himself, and both actors quickly descended into fits of laughter.

In recent years, both O’Connor and Mescal have established themselves as exceptionally talented actors known for their honest and vulnerable performances. They fully commit to their roles, pushing themselves physically and creatively – whether it’s through intense training, mastering accents, or learning new skills like Italian or dance. However, they don’t take themselves too seriously, as shown by their playful interactions and lightheartedness on the red carpet. It’s refreshing to see them being so silly and uninhibited, even if it’s just with each other. While they rarely display this energy onscreen, a subtle sense of playfulness often underlies their work.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=LOPZnc_VsHQ

The film, *The History of Sound*, focuses on what isn’t explicitly stated – unspoken feelings, meaningful silences, and reserved expressions of affection – a stark contrast to the energetic public appearances of its stars. Surprisingly, they seem to have more natural chemistry playing themselves than as their characters, Lionel and David. As the quietly unfolding story reaches its sad but predictable ending – leaving you to wonder if either character would ever find lasting love – the actors’ real-life connection hints that perhaps they did find happiness together after all.

Paul Mescal has long been a fan of his co-star, Josh O’Connor, playfully emphasizing their three-year age gap. They often joke about this small difference, with Mescal good-naturedly teasing O’Connor whenever he complains about current trends. Despite acknowledging the competitive nature of the film industry, Mescal says he immediately felt admiration for O’Connor’s work, making collaboration much easier. O’Connor agrees, explaining that the film’s emotional depth led them to keep their interactions light and playful. They describe each other as “cheeky chaps,” a sentiment both readily affirm.

Several films this year have focused their marketing on the playful connection between their male leads, even when the movies themselves are difficult or sad. With *Warfare*, the cast did a series of lighthearted interviews, playfully questioning each other. The actors in *The Long Walk* emphasized their growing friendship off-screen, sharing activities like playing basketball and discussing films, with behind-the-scenes photos showing their camaraderie. While these film sets weren’t necessarily as bleak as the stories they told – and that likely made things easier for everyone – a key part of promoting these movies seems to be highlighting how much fun the cast had. They formed friendships and created inside jokes. The message is that even amidst onscreen hardship, the bonds formed during filming were worthwhile. For the stars of *The History of Sound*, Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, their chemistry suggests a genuine connection: they still enjoy each other’s company, and that’s something audiences feel too.

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2025-09-18 21:55