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Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal to play lovers in gay romantic drama The History of Sound

"This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told", says director Oliver Hermanus

By Jamie Tabberer

Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Paul in Normal People and Josh in God’s Own Country

Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor are to play gay lovers in the upcoming historical romance movie The History of Sound.

The pair are two of the most in-demand actors of the decade so far, with O’Connor winning plaudits for Netflix series The Crown and Mescal for the BBC’s Normal People

The History of Sound is based on the Pushcart Prize-winning story of the same name by American author Ben Shattuck.

“Snatched, short-lived moment”

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.’

According to the publication, director Oliver Hermanus commented: “I instantly fell in love with Ben Shattuck’s flawlessly beautiful short story and knew I had to be involved in its journey to the screen.

“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.

“This undeniably powerful story will certainly resonate with audiences the world over.”

News of the film follows last month’s announcement that Taron Egerton and Jonathan Bailey are to play gay lovers in a West End revival of the play Cock.