One of Ireland's fastest rising stars Paul Mescal has said his life changed "drastically" in the two years since reaching global fame.
The Irish actor became an international star following his portrayal of Conall in the television hit Normal People.
He has since starred in The Lost Daughter alongside Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, and Jessie Buckley, with his latest projects God’s Creatures and Aftersun attracting rave reviews.
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The Maynooth man, who glamorised GAA shorts and gold chains, recently cemented his fashion credentials by becoming Cartier’s latest brand ambassador.
Mescal is a long way from Co Kildare after making his debut at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival along with some of the world's most famous faces.
Speaking about the experience, the 26-year-old said it was "pretty full-on" but also "really, really exciting".
"It’s something I’ve watched from afar for so long, so to be thrust into the middle of it is a lot. At the moment, it feels like the city is moving at such a rapid pace, and to see all of this culture happening all around you – it’s really, really exciting," he told British Vogue.
He added that it "doesn’t feel very real at the moment" after his debut also marked his first time modelling Cartier's jewellery on the red carpet.
"I’ve never felt more elegant in my entire life," he joked.
Mescal has also been donning a new accessory in recent weeks that has captured people's attention.
The star has divided opinions since stepping out with a striking new moustache, which he said has now grown on him.
"It started out for fun, but then I was doing a Zoom with a director I’m going to be working with next, and he was like, “Do not touch your face.” So now, it’s technically for a role. I quite like it," he said.
The last couple of years have been far from normal for Mescal, although fans of the TV depiction of Sally Rooney's book will be happy to know he keeps in touch with his former co-stars.
Normal People fans rejoiced earlier this month after he was snapped at the Met Gala with Daisy Edgar-Jones, who played his love interest Marianne in the show.
"It’s just been so nice. Our schedules have lined up and we both had some time off recently so we’ve been able to hang out instead of missing FaceTimes with each other," he said.
"It’s been such a great couple of months. She’s so supremely talented. I know I’m going to spend the rest of my professional life watching Daisy do amazing work. I feel no sense of surprise, but just an immense sense of pride.
"Where the Crawdads Sing is out soon and I know that people are going to absolutely love it. The book is so popular and she’s at the centre of the story. It’s incredible to see one of my best friends experiencing something on such a big stage."
Asked whether he has had a chance to watch Conversations with Friends, the second Sally Rooney adaption to hit the small screen, he said: "I’m five episodes in and I’m loving every second of it. It understands the world of Sally Rooney in a way that is so profound. I’m looking forward to finishing it.
"I actually had more episodes downloaded for the plane, but the other episodes failed so I was fuming. Just so upset [laughs]. I’m fully invested. The performances from Alison [Oliver], Joe [Alwyn] and everyone across the board are so detailed. The characters feel familiar to me.
"I feel like all of Sally’s characters speak a similar language. And Alison’s a friend of mine. She was at The Lir [Academy in Dublin] a few years below me. I’m going to see her next week actually."
Mescal's rise to the top of the acting world shows no signs of slowing down, with a number of exciting projects coming up.
Among these is a modern-day version of Carmen, the sci-fi thriller Foe with fellow Irish star Saoirse Ronan, and then a romantic movie featuring The Crown's Josh O’Connor called The History of Sound.
Discussing his upcoming roles, he said: "Saoirse is the most prepared actor I’ve ever worked with. There’s no tiredness. She’s also now a really good pal of mine.
"I haven’t seen Foe yet, but I’m really proud of having worked on it. With The History of Sound, we have to wait and see. I’m so excited to work with Josh and really want to make that film, but I have no idea when it’s going to shoot."
