OSCAR NOMINEES: Paul Mescal on ‘Hamnet,’ Shakespeare and Building Complex Characters (November 2025)

OSCAR NOMINEES: Paul Mescal on ‘Hamnet,’ Shakespeare and Building Complex Characters (November 2025)

Author: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY March 14, 2026 Duration: 28:47
Paul Mescal has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of his generation and stars in Hamnet, which is nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. In this conversation from November 2025, Mescal joins Willie Geist to discuss playing young William Shakespeare in "Hamnet," working alongside industry legends on "Gladiator II," and how he approaches crafting complex characters. Plus, the "Normal People" and "Aftersun" star reflects on his journey from school musicals to Hollywood.

Each week on Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, the familiar, thoughtful host of NBC's Sunday TODAY extends his signature interview style into a longer, more relaxed format. Here, you'll find the complete, unedited conversations that often have to be trimmed for television, allowing for a more nuanced and personal exploration of each guest's journey. Willie sits down with an impressive and eclectic mix of people who are actively defining our world, including leading actors, influential musicians, political figures, and transformative business leaders. The discussions move beyond simple career highlights to uncover the real stories behind their public successes-the pivotal moments, challenges, and ideas that truly shaped them. This podcast offers a unique blend of news and cultural commentary, delivered through the lens of intimate, one-on-one dialogue. It’s a chance to settle in and hear substantial, meaningful conversations that cut through the noise, providing depth and context to the headlines and cultural trends we all talk about. For anyone interested in the human experiences behind the names in the news, film, television, and society at large, this series feels like a weekly, in-depth masterclass conducted with genuine curiosity and insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
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