Natalie Portman has quashed recent speculations linking her romantically with Paul Mescal, following a chance encounter captured outside a London bar earlier this year. The photographs sparked a frenzy among fans, who eagerly speculated about a possible relationship between the Star Wars actress, 43, and the Normal People star, 28.
During promotions for her upcoming Apple TV series, Lady in the Lake, Portman addressed the rumors in an interview with The Guardian, clarifying that she and Mescal are simply friends. “I’m very in awe of his talent,” Portman remarked, complimenting the actor but firmly dispelling any romantic notions.
Paul Mescal, known for his breakout role in Normal People, has been candid about his desire for privacy regarding his personal life. He previously dated singer Phoebe Bridgers but has since kept his romantic affairs out of the public eye. Similarly, Natalie Portman has recently finalized her divorce from French dancer Benjamin Millepied and is believed to be single.
Body language expert Judi James weighed in on the photos, noting that while the pair appeared to enjoy each other’s company, there were no intimate gestures suggesting romance. “They are clearly enjoying each other’s company,” James observed. “Rather than intimate, there are no signals from either of them to suggest they would like to get closer here.”
The actors’ friendship seems to have blossomed following their Actors on Actors interview with Variety, where they praised each other’s work. Mescal has expressed frustration with the public scrutiny of his personal life, describing it as intrusive and unkind. “The stuff that hurts is the personal stuff,” Mescal shared with Harper’s Bazaar, emphasizing the need for privacy and respect.
As both Portman and Mescal navigate their respective careers and personal lives under the spotlight, their recent outing together appears to be nothing more than a friendly rendezvous. With Portman’s career poised for a new chapter in Lady in the Lake and Mescal continuing to make waves in the entertainment industry, their professional admiration remains the focus amid the dating rumors that have now been put to rest.
