Paul Mescal Doesn’t Think He Has The “Patience” To Join The MCU

With the release of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes to a close. But Phases 5 and 6 are imminent, and with them, lots of new projects that Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios need to cast with even more Hollywood talent. But don’t expect up-and-comer Paul Mescal in a Marvel movie anytime soon. He doesn’t have the patience for it.

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IndieWire reports (via GQ UK) that, as rumors abound that Mescal’s “Normal People” co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones may join a future Phase 5 project with Marvel, the actor doesn’t envision himself joining the MCU any time soon. “This will be something that I regret saying, but at the moment it’s not something…It’s not been asked of me,” Mescal told the magazine. “So I feel kind of like ridiculous saying no when it hasn’t been asked, but it’s not something that I am pining to do.”

So, why won’t Mescal consider an MCU project? “I don’t know if I would have the patience required,” Mescal continued, “And I am deeply envious of people who do have that patience.” But Mescal’s aversion to Marvel movies doesn’t mean he wouldn’t do another big-budget franchise in the future. “There’s definitely ones out there that I’m like, ‘For sure,’ and I would definitely not give it the commentators’ curse and name them in this interview,” Mescal said. Maybe a sequel to “Top Gun: Maverick,” if that happens?  

But Mescal’s also averse to doing Marvel movies because it would take away from the flexibility he’s grown accustomed to on the indie film circuit. “I’d struggle if that was taken away from me,” Mescal said. “And I think sometimes you have to make a decision to let that go for five, 10, 15 years and that would be really sad.” After his breakout role in “Normal People,” Mescal has rattled off several strong performances in indie films, including “Aftersun” and “God’s Creatures” this year.  

Under a Marvel contract, Mescal may not have the opportunity to make fare like that anymore. “I know that if I make that decision, I’m not going to wake up in five years’ time and be surprised I didn’t get time off to go to Turkey and make an independent film for two months,” Mescal added. “Knowledge is power.” Mescal’s comments echo those of Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch in the MCU. Back in May, Olsen admitted that she “started to feel frustrated” with her MCU obligations because they caused her to lose roles that were more important to her, like Yorgos Lanthimos‘ “The Lobster.”

In any case, Mescal still has big-budget projects on his upcoming calendar. Last month, he signed on to “A Spy By Nature,” Kevin Macdonald‘s take on the first book in the popular “Alec Milius” spy series. He also has “Foe” next, a sci-fi thriller for Amazon Studios. So, while not Marvel movies, Mescal’s career still looks like it’s trending away from solely being in indie films. And as for Marvel’s Phase 5 projects? Well, Mescal is only one of many Hollywood stars on the rise, so Feige & co. will no doubt find actors for all of the new heroes they have on deck.