Paul Mescal says gay drama The History of Sound with Josh O’Connor won’t happen this year

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Paul in Normal People and Josh in God’s Own Country

Normal People star, Paul Mescal, has said that the gay romantic drama The History of Sound won’t happen this year.

Mescal is set to star opposite God’s Own Country and The Crown actor, Josh O’Connor with the two playing gay lovers in the film based on the Pushcart Prize-winning story of the same name by American author Ben Shattuck.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Mescal, 26, confirmed the news and said it was due to scheduling conflicts for the two leads. 

“I’m just dying to make films with people I like and Josh is one of those people”

“But the learning for me is that I’m just dying to make films with people I like and Josh is one of those people that I would work with in a heartbeat,” says Paul.

However, there’s nothing to suggest the actors, both of whom are in very high demand these days, have lost interest in the project. Let’s hope they can figure something out soon!

An official description for the film reads: “In this snatched, short-lived moment in their young lives, and while discovering the epic sweep of the U.S., both men are deeply changed.”

As per Variety, the film will follow characters Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor), who ‘during the WW1 period, set out to record the lives, voices, and music of their countrymen.’

News of Paul and Josh’s casting was announced in November 2021. 

The film’s director, Oliver Hermanus, told Variety: “Paul and Josh are two of the most promising actors of their generation who will share with us deeply soulful performances.

“This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told — it is a journey through the life of America, across the 20th century and the traditions of American folk music, all seen through the bond between two men immersed in the history of sound.”

The Attitude May/June issue is out now.