Paul Mescal would “love” to one day play Micheal Collins, the Irish rebel leader.

Speaking at the Irish premier of Hamnet, the star of the film said he has “always been so interested in that period of Irish history” but conceded “Liam Neeson did a great job with that”.

His latest film sees him playing one of England’s most iconic historical figures, William Shakespeare.

Hamnet tells the story of Shakespeare’s marriage to his wife, who is named Agnes in the film, and the tumult that follows the death of the couple’s young son.

Agnes is played by Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley, who along with Paul Mescal has received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

There has been significant Oscar buzz around her since Hamnet started screening at festivals – something she brushed

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