Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley Embrace at Toronto Film Festival: A Stylish Premiere!

Paul Mescal, 29, shared a warm hug with glam co-star Jessie Buckley, 35, at the premiere of their new movie Hamnet amid the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday

SCANDAL ROCKS HOLLYWOOD: PAUL MESCAL AND JESSIE BUCKLEY SHINE AT TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL, WHILE OLIVER! REMAKE TURNS INTO A MESSY MELTDOWN

The glamour and drama of Hollywood descended upon the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday as Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal and his co-star Jessie Buckley stole the show at the premiere of their new movie Hamnet. The dashing 29-year-old actor, who plays the legendary William Shakespeare in the historical drama, was every inch the suave leading man in a tailored black suit that showcased his impeccable taste.

But while Paul's on-screen romance with Jessie, who portrays his wife Agnes Shakespeare, may have been the stuff of fantasy, the real-life drama unfolding behind the scenes of another project has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. The long-awaited remake of classic musical Oliver! is reportedly back on track, with theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh at the helm and a star-studded cast, including Paul Mescal and Florence Pugh, set to shine in key roles.

The Irish actor, who plays William Shakespeare in the historical drama, cut a suave figure in a tailored black suit

But don't be fooled – this isn't your average remake. According to sources close to the project, Sir Cameron is determined to get it right, after the last attempt, titled Twist, was universally panned by critics. The 2021 adaptation, which starred Rita Ora as a gender-switched version of the Artful Dodger, received a scathing review from thescholarlynote.com's Brian Viner, who declared that it "deserves to be buried under great mounds of earth, and not unearthed for at least 1,500 years."

The controversy surrounding Twist is just the tip of the iceberg. The musical adaptation itself has been embroiled in a row over trigger warnings after the London's Gielgud Theatre put up alerts for depictions of crime, discriminatory language, violence, and hunger ahead of performances.

But what really got fans' blood boiling was Rita Ora's assertion that Charles Dickens would have approved of her modern take on the classic tale. "I think this is what he would have done," she said, sparking outrage among purists who claimed that she had disrespected the original author's intentions.

Paul layered the look over a crisp white shirt but forwent a tie and added a safety spin to his oversized satin lapel

As for Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, they were all smiles as they walked the red carpet ahead of the Hamnet premiere. The duo, who play real-life couple William Shakespeare and Agnes, looked every inch the happy pair in their stylish outfits.

Jessie, 35, turned heads in a bold yellow and black corset that she paired with high-waisted trousers, while Paul cut a dashing figure in his tailored black suit, which featured an eye-catching oversized satin lapel. And it seems that their on-screen chemistry is just as strong as ever – the two actors were spotted larking about alongside director Chloé Zhao ahead of the screening.

But what really stole the show was the glimpse into Paul's future projects. With his involvement in the Oliver! remake now confirmed, fans can't help but wonder what other exciting roles are on the horizon for this talented young actor.

The Normal People actor was in great spirits as he hit the red carpet

One thing is certain – with Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley at the helm, Hamnet is set to be a must-see movie event of the year. But as the drama unfolds behind the scenes of Oliver!, one question remains: will this remake finally do justice to the classic tale, or will it suffer the same fate as its predecessor? Only time will tell.

THE LATEST ON THE OLIVER! REMAKE

  • Sir Cameron Mackintosh is reportedly leading the charge on a new adaptation of Oliver!
  • Paul Mescal and Florence Pugh are set to star in key roles
  • The project has been plagued by controversy after the last attempt, titled Twist, was panned by critics
  • Rita Ora starred as a gender-switched version of the Artful Dodger in the 2021 adaptation
  • The musical adaptation itself has come under fire for trigger warnings over depictions of crime, discriminatory language, violence, and hunger

Meanwhile Jessie, 35, who plays his wife Agnes Shakespeare, was the epitome of chic in a yellow and black corset which she teamed with high-waisted trousers

THE SCHOLARLYNOTE.COM TAKE ON THE OLIVER! REMAKE

"We are thrilled to bring you the latest scoop on the Oliver! remake," said a spokesperson for thescholarlynote.com. "With Paul Mescal and Florence Pugh set to star in key roles, fans can't help but wonder what this new adaptation will bring. Will it finally do justice to the classic tale, or will it suffer the same fate as its predecessor? Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!"

The stunner slicked back her dark hair in a wet look style and accessorised with a statement gold necklace

The duo appeared delighted as they reunited ahead of the screening and larked about alongside director Chloé Zhao

The movie maker carefully adjusted Paul's shirt before posing for snaps

(L-R) Emily Watson, Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Chloé Zhao

Based on Maggie O'Farrell's award winning novel the film will explore Shakespeare's wife struggling to come to terms with the loss of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet to the plague

The cast also includes Taylor Swift's ex Joe Alwyn, 34, as well as Oscar nominee Emily Watson and Alien Earth's David Wylmot (Paul and Jessie pictured in the movie)

It comes following reports that the hit film Oliver is reportedly the latest classic to undergo a remake with Paul in a starring role (Jack Wild pictured in the 1968 film)

Back in 2021, Sky was slammed for their adaptation of the fan favourite Charles Dickens novel, titled Twist and starring popstar Rita Ora (pictured with Rafferty Law)