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Ariana Grande & Paul Mescal | Actors on Actors
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- Published on Jul 9, 2025
- Ariana Grande ("Wicked") and Paul Mescal ("Gladiator II") sit down to discuss the "Glicked" phenomenon, working with Ridley Scott, and being in awe of Cynthia Erivo.
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Paul Mescal being praised for his singing by Ariana is unexpected and wonderful
Highest compliment ever
Too bad we still have to wait until 2040s to see him sing in the adaptation of Richard Linklater's Merrily We Roll Along 😅
ruclips.net/video/KYFprSQKfD4/video.htmlsi=teMdtEsDg02umUfz
Paul not being able to maintain eye contact while speaking is so real
Right
We irish people are bad with eye contact😂😂
don’t blame him he was trying to not get lost in her beautiful brown doe eyes
I wanna see this guy interacting with Timothee Chalamet 😂
so trueee😂
something i really like about ariana is that she genuinely seems interested in what other people have to say and their stories and it doesn’t feel contrived at all
REAL even to her fans she always takes the time to listen when she can like in the movie premiere etc
We love her for that❤
ikr
Exactly even when I had no idea what he was talking about or like care but.. she was fully invested 😂
EXACTLY she’s loves and cares for others!!
two people pleasers walk in the room.. lmao i love both of them so much it was so cute watching these two anxious bugs interact. their anxiousness is also so ironic considering they both have more talent than they even know.
A lot of talented people struggle with anxiety, especially highly sensitive people
Spot on 😂
when it started getting deep with paul talking about anxiety you can tell ariana noticed him feel uncomfortable and she changed the conversation ever so gracefully like *CHEFS KISS!!* absolutely love her she’s a real one
Time?
@@PeytonFlesch19:46 - 20:35 !
I noticed that too!! She could tell he wasn’t comfortable talking about it and shifted the conversation. I love her.
I find it so intersting that you say that, I had a different feeling from it. As I saw it, it felt like for the entire interview Paul could see that Ariana was either nervous or something was happening and he was trying to make her feel more grounded by speaking openly about anxiety. But the she chose to steer away from the topic in the end.
@@adelatief6941He is clearly more stressed than her. He struggles to talk, avoiding eyes contact a lot, has nervous hand gestures and is nervous laughing when they talk about anxiety. Ariana seem more relaxed than 99 % would be in this situation.
I love how Ridley just watched Normal People and was like “Yeahh that’s my guy I want him for Gladiator” lol
Did they actually mention his work in Normal People in this interview?
@@blackcoffeguzzler14:04
@@blackcoffeguzzlerthey glossed over it quickly. It seemed obvious Ariana hasn't seen it so she had nothing to add when he brought it up haha
@@digerati02 which is so sad because it's SO GOOOOD!! He's brilliant in that, as well!
Normal People was boring. It's over- praised.
Whoever paired them up deserves a raise - not only because of their movies, but especially because they both have the same theatre loving background.
what raise this pair easily comes to mind
Oh my God people need to stop saying this every time there is an actors and actors video obviously they have the two most topical movies at the moment the two movies that are constantly being promoted.
@@SmcdMcd-d2kwhy does it make u so upset though? this is such a non issue
@@SmcdMcd-d2k man is angry about a youtube interview video lmaoo
@ sorry but it’s ridiculous. Ppl with common sense wouldn’t say that
One thing I will always admire about Ariana, and I'm sure almost everyone can agree whether you like her or not, she's a LISTENER. She's very attentive and you can tell she's enjoying listening to whoever she's with. A beautiful soul!
@@nabi4443rewatch it and you’ll realize he asks her a question and then he rambles over her before she can even reply. she mostly interrupted him when he was at a loss for words saying “uhh, umm, uhhhhh” and staring off into space
@@nabi4443 they both interrupt each other lol, and that's not bad at all because they were talking comfortably
the bare minimuuuuuuuuuum
@@Anna13Tonks It is... yet many people are too self-obsessed and want to be the one listened to.
@@fernandaespinosa7365 I feel like this is respectful interrupting, like you said because they were comfortable and probably excited and had so many questions. But when she listened she LISTENED
20:20 paul struggling a bit and ariana helping him out by asking a follow up question is so sweet, she has great people skills
Her "What?" at 52:54 because she doesn't want him to laugh off how talented he is - probably the sweetest moment for me
i came into the comments to check who else noticed that, it was epic 👏🏻
Yes I loved that!
Loved this too! They are both so sweet ❤️🩹❤️🩹
I love how it starts off a little awkward but they get so comfortable because they are both nerdy theatre loving people. Absolutely brilliant pairing!
Edit: it’s awkward in a coltish, nerdy sense.. not in an uncomfortable way. You can feel the excitement and the nerves at the same time. It’s adorable!
@@kiarasmyth2469 I can feel their connection, they're fascinated by each other.
lol maybe they were both intimidated by eachother
She’s not a loving person, she stole somebody’s husband away from them and left her with a 1 year old baby
So weird cuz I was thinking about this duo last night after he was on snl because they’re both movie stars rn
Didn’t seem awkward at all to me dafuq
Big brown eyes and piercing blue eyes is a killer combo my god I can’t breathe😖
It’s giving Dramione
I'm having a full bi panic
Reel
yeah ive never felt so cornered but in the best way
finally somebody appreciates how beautiful ari's eyes are 🥲🤎
Her posture is truly inspiring
Literally i love it
honestly! i sit like a shrimp 🦐
shes in a corset
@@msrosie420LMAOOO
Also helps if your top light.
I love the way Ariana names everyone she works with in special a way that acknowledges them but doesn’t sound like name dropping.
There’s just something so magnetic about Ariana. She’s just absolutely someone who was meant for this life, fame, etc. she handles it so well.
oh yes darling absolutely,....
Ariana knowing everything about Paul's career even from his student performances on musical theatre... she is always putting in the work! Her questions were so thoughtful and she comes across as very interested and attentive to everything Paul was saying. And Paul as always is such a thoughtful performer and artist, and incredibly eloquent too. This was a genius pairup!
LOVED this conversation but I would disagree .. most, if not all, of Paul's roles in tv/film since his theater work has been acting as deeply emotional characters and felt like Ariana knew nothing about that.
@@emfrain Thank you!! I feel like I am going crazy reading these comments but as sweet as this conversation was, Ariana was so ill prepared
@@Alice-nq2ew It’s a conversation, not an interview. The only prep required is watching the movie being promoted. Nobody in this series watches the others full filmography.
@@emfrain- What’re you disagreeing with, exactly?
@@midas2252I disagree that Ariana knew everything about Paul's career
I saw people complaining that Ariana wasn’t paired with Selena, but I knew Paul was perfect because they both have theatre backgrounds!
Yeah and it is much more interesting
PEOPLE WANTED SELENA?? LOL im so glad it wasn’t
@@777-o5lyes, why wouldn't they 💀 Selena and Ariana got interactions together, both musicians in big films
Right! Ariana and Selena would’ve been a very BORING pairing in my opinion.
It would have been the obvious choice, given that they both had the "Child Star to Pop Star to Actor" progression, but Ariana seems dead-set on not mentioning her time on Nickelodeon, so them being paired could be triggering for her.
Always knew Ariana was a listener. Glad this video shows that off because people complain she talks too much or cuts people off. She genuinely loves listening to what people have to say.
Interesting, I hadn’t heard that about her, to me it seems like she hates talking about herself and answering the same questions over and over, it looked like a breath of fresh air for her to be able to listen to someone else!
If anything it was Paul cutting her off several times.
whoever chooses the pairings for actors on actors needs a raise. such special connections and chemistry every time
Having two actors who are in new installments of beloved stories is so smart. Pressure to do Wicked justice and live up to the legacy of Gladiator is something the clearly both understand and respect
disney you have your hercules and megara right here !!!
YES ❤❤❤
omg that would be everything
THIS NEEDS TO BE SEEN MORE
PLEASE
BOOST THIS COMMENT GUYS! WE NEEEEED
never knew paul mescal was so sweet! watched this for ariana but will definitely now get into his movies bc he seems so genuine and nice. honestly need them as hercules and megara
I've seen several of Paul's interviews, and he's a down to earth Irish lad, who supports his family, including his younger siblings. I hope that this will never change, as he has a beautiful heart to go with his extraordinary talent. I didn't know that Ariana was such a good listener, and it was so sweet how much she complimented Paul. I loved this Glicked pairing too, and I agree that they would be perfect as Hercules and Megara. ❤
Now that’s an idea
If you haven’t watched normal people then you definitely should! He’s amazing in that alongside daisy Edgar jones
After Sun is one of the best performances I've ever seen. He should've won best actor for that.
Have you seen his interview with Amelia?! 🫶
the chemistry is everything, we need these two as leads in another project
Live action Disney’s Hercules
OMG YOURE ONTO SOMETHING @@poutinelevine
omg the would be insane@@poutinelevine
They have no chemistry together. Still nice to each other. but no sparks
@@mjb1967 not at the start but it blossomed as they found things in common and got excited about each others work and the stories they had to share
They’re so thoughtful toward each other, offering both space and comfort. They’re always mindful of shifting the focus back to the other, especially when they feel they’ve spent time talking about themselves and their own story or movie. Truly a gift!
I'm a huge introvert but this makes me want to sit down have a coffee and have a conversation with someone for some reason lmao
Being an introvert doesn't mean you don't like having conversations. The ONLY thing is means is that social activity is draining for you and you need alone time afterwards.
Usually one-on-one convos and completely fine for introverts. Social anxiety and low self esteem are different matters.
I had a similar thought. I think this interview just makes the audience fall in love with just how wonderful humans can be. Because these two are so thoughtful, empathetic, and kind. :)
Do it, genuinely discovering people is the best for an introverts heart. You’ll discover how relatable you are to everyone and it fills the gap of selective aloneness.
Me too
Ariana they could never make me dislike you. Notice how many people on the crew she shouts out by name, praising them for their work that helped bring this movie together. She deserves all the love that she receives for this film.
Nobody ever questioned her being a talented professional, it’s her moral qualities and relationship to other women that is questionable…
Not even her stealing somebody’s man?
@@BRI_ANA1 it was debunked, stop believing everything you see online, touch some grass.
@@iWANDER262 it was, look it up. even ethan's ex wife admitted that it wasn't true.
@@nastiankeditts It wasn’t debunked.
Ariana is such an active listener, it’s so sweet how she always affirms what the other person is saying and like meets them where they’re at. Very sweet and sensitive.
It's more interesting when somewhat random people are placed together
I am literally learning active listening from her.
That ending was so cuteeee haha. Paul is clearly nervous and super shy in front of her. He's so cuteee
Yeah like I ma kind of suprise because he seemed like this beta king who knows how to flirt and talk to woman.
I feel like who wouldn't be intimated sitting in front of Ariana
It is one of the biggest pop stars of his generation to be fair
@lilachodan4941 he’s very humble and charming which is largely appealing to women. although introverted, paul seems easy to get to know and authentic in this interview.
@ezaf5989 there is nothing cringe about liking stuff.
ariana is literally a once in a lifetime talent, she’s unreal.
she has the prettiest eyes everrr
9:54 the way he looks at her!! They were definitely fascinated with each other, what a sweet platonic chemistry.
They are also actors so…
@@martinjrgensen8234 actors cant just fake interactions because they're actors. they're not just always out there manipulating you
Yesss give me rom com with them please someone
@@spookeymo they are when they're part of multi-million dollar awards campaign that centres entirely around their engagement in publicity of this type
After that SNL skit, i wanna see these two sing together at the Oscars. Full on Gladiator and Wicked Musical on the stage.😂
That would be so epic omg 😭🤘🏼
Nobody exits on a broom like Paul Mescal.
OMG, that would be so awesome
Add Cynthia too!
20:22 i think this was the turning point for them to get more comfortable with each other Paul admitting his anxiety and then Ariana having lightbulb 💡 moment where she found the perfect topic of conversation for them to continue.
Idk man i am so endeared by this conversion and rooting for them to get more comfortable 😂❤
I think they were nervous cause they are in awe of each other. I think it's sweet 😅
Sameeeee Ari just got so excited to ask questions to Paul
Couldn’t help but think Ariana would make a great therapist. Her active listening skills are incredible.
She learned her skills from her therapist 😆🫶🏼
i could hear them talk for hours and hours. such a beautiful chemistry and professionalism. bravo!
These were the fastest 55 minutes of my life omg it was so entertaining
same 😭
I was so disappointed when it was over, thinking it was too short of an interview. Then I looked at how long the video was and was genuinely staggered that it was nearly an hour long! I was so entranced by their conversation, I didn't notice how much time had passed!
His nervousness was obvious but he seems like a good guy. They both seemed interested in each other's lives.
He's in the presence of Ariana, the most admired and loved woman in the world right now 💖
I mean it’s THEEE Ariana Grande
@@norijean3279Be serious 😭 As if Beyonce etc don’t exist, the general public is not exactly in awe of Ariana right now anyway.
@@norijean3279well not really
@@galaxycharno offense but beyonce might be the worst example to use right now lol 🫢🫶🏼
you can clearly see how passionate ariana is about wicked and how much work and heart she put into becoming glinda. i predict big things for her future and i can’t wait to see it!
I know what you mean so I’m not making fun of you so to speak but I love how the way you’ve phrased your comment makes it sound like she’s this young up and comer 😂💕
What else can she do? Wicked with Oscar nominations alongside Grammys feels like it to me
One thing I really love about Ariana, She’s ALWAYS been such a great listener to the people she’s having a conversation to. She ALWAYS sits down so comfortably & willing to listen to the person speak. She’s such an outstanding & outspoken person to be around. She literally articulates her words very clearly & crystal clear. We definitely need more women like Ariana. Honesty, This is definitely the BEST unexpected interview I have ever truly watched. Ariana & Paul is really the BEST unexpected match ever. Not only, They are into musical movies but They are definitely such a musical theater duo too.
I already have stuck in my head ARI as Meg in Hercules singing “I won’t say I am in love” , ponytail included. Perfect!🥲 Paul is Hercules. You’re welcome Disney
Omg Ariana literally has Bambi eyes! They’re so pretty 😍
Ikr such a pretty big doll like eyes
ariana truly is a once in a lifetime talent, glad paul let her know in the end because i think she doesn't recognize that a lot of times
Lil
Totally agree
I love how after the nervous question Ariana tries to check in with him as a human in different ways to make sure he’s taking care of himself 🥹
them both being so well spoken is so refreshing
She is so humble I love her 😢 and I love how she names out so many people that worked on the set
okay not gonna lie i didn’t know what to expect when i heard they were paired but this was a nice surprise 🥹 it’s so interesting because never would i ever imagine they’d be in the same room talking like this. ariana as always feels so nice to talk to, she’s a great listener. paul was definitely nervous at first but got more and more comfortable. ariana was also nervous too but she tried to make it flow smoothly. personally i think she has really matured from the last time she appeared to the public before wicked filming. it’s clear she’s more comfortable and open now
Paul is so sweet and attentive. I love how interested he is while Ari is talking
I already knew this pairing would be amazing (Paul's endearing shyness and emotional intelligence coupled with Ariana's passion and genuine interest is so unbeatable) but watching it made me like them even more. The way they opened up halfway through was amazing to watch. They were literally finishing each other's sentences
It's amazing to see how they brilliantly moved forward the conversation for almost an hour without us even noticing it. Very beautiful and engaging ❤❤❤
And i just can imagine the huge hug they gave each other after this. Brilliant lovely human beings.
oh i’m SAT. a big raise for whoever paired them!!!
ugh this is so giving first date vibes and i love them both so much, my worlds have collided!!!!
This makes so much more sense than Ethan Boq SpongeBob man. Manifesting this instead 😂
@@dreabarraclough7196I js read somewhere in the comments that he’s a known player so maybe nottt😭😭😭
@nat8072 we'll get a new heartbreak album😭
@@dreabarraclough7196 fr sameee 😭
First date? Just feels like two people being stuck in a waiting room and getting to know each other. lol.
i have to admit i was a bit nervous for this pairing because i felt like they were just trying to make "glicked" a thing but the chemistry is amazing - i didn't realize how similar their backgrounds were! ariana is such a genuinely active listener and paul is so so sweet
I can’t believe they didn’t talk about Eternal Sunshine seeing as they both love that movie!!! That’s what I wanted to see them both geek out over!!! 😭 Loved this pairing! 💖
Ariana's voice is so sweet but when it comes to singing, it's like I'm in heaven, and Cynthia is a legend and I'm someone who isn't a fan of musicals but i watched Wicked with my friend yesterday and i stepped out of the theatre speechless and in awe. Props to the whole cast and crew and director for making this masterpiece! Can't wait for Part 2!
oh I’m seated. the youtube employees are scared and asking me to leave because I can just click play but i’m simply too seated
@@MLMashups okay ayo 😭
real af
This being the longest actors on actors episode- oh yappiana
😭😭😭
Bye😭😭😭
im crying 😭
PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! HAHAHAHHA
LMFAOOOO
34:50 NOT ARIANA WATCHING SLIME TUTORIALS 😭she really is a theater kid through and through
i gagged when she said that😂😂😂😂
Huh? I must’ve missed that. Timestamp, perhaps?
When did she say that?
what??? 😭 did i miss something
@@TheSkinnyZ no she didn’t specifically bring up the slime tutorial. It was her saying how she has all of the bootleg versions of the color purple😂🤣 just very similar to how people look at the slime tutorials to watch wicked lol
ariana carries herself so elegantly...such a princess!
I love how Paul always includes Cynthia in the conversation!! That speaks to his character. Loved Gladiator 2! It
Was a worthy sequel!🥰
I NEED THEM IN A PROJECT TOGETHER! they look so gooooood together !
Hercules! ❤
Hercules and Megara
36:42 "held so much space" HOLDING SPACE OMG
lol..was this recorded before or after tho?
@ it was before i think😭
wdym?
@@adaliamoyer764 there's this clip from an interview with Ariana and Cynthia where the interviewer talks about holding space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity. watch it, it's funny lol
@@ansri24i don’t think it was 😭
Ariana is SO GOD DAMN SWEET and a great listener because I absolutely adored when she noticed Pauls nervous giggle/dismissal when she said he is a gift performer, I loved that she caught that. And Paul my dude YOU ARE A FANTASTIC ACTOR! He is so modest its crazy because he delivers some fantastic intensely emotional and impressive performances
No need to curse
Help he’s visibly nervous with her hahahaha I’ve never seen him nervous in an interview
Watch his sit down with Natalie Portman
He’s actually nervous pretty often! He admits to it a lot - that he’s an anxious person.
Pretty nervous and funny in the Chicken Shop Date this year, too.
@@swakyaby3339god that interview got me some type of way…
i think what i adore the most is how this feels like a first date 🥺🥺
Ariana Grande & Paul Mescal is definitely giving me megara & hercules vibes. // it’s the way paul said: “you’re in love with each other” ariana said: “insufferable” for me” im screaming 😭😭😭
Love how this highlights a lot of ariana’s listening moments. You can really see in her eyes and even body language that she’s engaged in the conversation.
Can we take a moment? 55 MINUTES! Thank you Variety. These two are golden👏🏼
Such a surprisingly satisftying, authentic and inspiring interview between artist-true artists. It felt like I was a fly on the wall, watching two people immersed in their own world just picking each others’ brains, whereas sometimes interviews nowadays feel so forced, inauthentic, and purely for marketing
her eyes are so big and so lovingly istg i caaaan't! And his eyes are so pretty!! cutiesss
54:40 I think that's the most awkward ending of this series. But so cute
I was thinking he was a little bit nervous
Totally agree
this is the most wholesome actors on actors ever 🥹🫶🏼✨
i love this interview so much. the content isn't what you expect but their shared love and appreciation of theater is so heartwarming
It’s heart-warmingly obvious that they both massively admire eachother. Zero begrudgery
as somebody in the set side of theatre and film it fills me with so much joy and pride to hear actors gushing about good production design and costumes and set!! these things make up such a huge part of these productions and are so often overlooked! whoever chose to pair these two together did such an amazing job as they both seem to be so passionate about the whole production of the performing arts, and it fills me with so much joy to see 'celebrities' being so nerdy about the artisty of these industries!!
I think a lot of people assume that Ariana landing Glinda’s role was extremely easy because of her name and current legacy, but it’s clear that her fame only added more hardship and work to the gaining the role;
I mean yeah she has connections, high agencies, etc., but the pressure of being *the* Ariana Grande meant being near perfect in order to land the role
This is the first variety I watched all the way through in one sitting 😂
oh we ABSOLUTELY need them cast as hercules and megara after this
SOOOO badlyy
Yeah he needs to be Hercules i wanna hear him belting go the distance
Why do ppl keep saying this? Meg is not a soprano and has a deep voice, is tall and sassy. Ariana is amazing and so talented but unfortunately her being “perfect” as Meg is a bit of leap… if anything Liz Gillies would be great
@@Ms02112 i used to always tell people that i would love liz gillies as megara any day. it’s just after seeing wicked, i think people including myself feel they can see ari deliver well for meg. and especially seeing these two together how can you not!! just an opinion ♡
@@etherealestskyIn my opinion although Ariana is immensely talented and versatile both as a singer AND actress, Liz would still be a much better fit, appearance wise, vocally and personality/essence wise. I know that last one might sound like it defeats the purpose of acting, but a lot of times actors’ natural personalities can really enhance a role and bring a unique quality that might not be the case if someone else is cast. Think of like Helena Bonham Carter, she’s best at quirky over the top roles because she’s naturally the quirky hippie type. Or Tom Hiddleston, who’s best at reserved yet charming, romantic and/or gothic roles. In real life he’s sort of an introvert, intellectual type very into poetry and a gentleman. In his case, he initially auditioned to play Thor in the MCU, but irl he’s virtually the opposite from the character and ironically extremely similar to Loki, it’s like he was born to play him. And so I feel like Liz playing Meg would be a similar situation, not to mention she’s very underrated compared to Ariana and it would def be awesome for her to get a big opportunity like this
I love this pair, they’re both so genuine and eloquent throughout the whole interview! 🤍
Now, I just love Paul Mescal more. He’s so good at asking work related questions. Love this side of him
9:52 - That look in Paul's eyes 😍❤️❤️❤️
2:05 Beauty & the Beast on Broadway is spectacular. The special effect at the end is flawless; blew my mind. One of the best and a GREAT one to see as your 1st musical.
Ariana is such a sweet soul, seeing her spark conversation alongside Paul is such a beautiful sight. And Paul, so respectful and kind. Loved this combination❤️
Ariana is so good at giving people space and calming them down. She’s a veteran but just so humble
Paul Mescal was on point with all his questions, he would’ve made a great entertainment journalist in another life. 😎😎
the chemistry is unexpectedly decent! both of them are great listeners
Ariana deserves all the awards & praise for her incredible breathtaking performance as Glinda! She was truly destined to play that role! The press tour has been so moving & iconic! Ariana & Cynthia are both perfection in Wicked! Two ICONIC Queens who delivered some of the most beautiful movie performances ever! I CRIED so much throughout the movie! They both worked so hard & they both have such incredible talents! They brought cinema back with this cinematic experience! I've been a Ari fan since the beginning of her career & love all her music! I could go on! Queen! 👑🩷
This pairing is so random and so unexpected yet I'm here for these two amazing talents 😊
The fact that he’s so shy - FLOOD 😂😂
idk why but these shy Irish boys just really do it for me
I smiled, I cried, and I kicked my feet! I love this and I feel like my two words are colliding. THANK YOU variety!
These two are my top favorite and it’s strange I never pictured them interacting ever so this is like so mind blowing.
I was judging this pairing but damn i’m grateful. Honestly didn’t know Paul had a theater background. What a beautiful voice he has. As for Ariana she’s so attentive. I feel like she’s taking in every word and working to apply it to her life.
thank you to whoever put this pairing together
The connection Ariana made between Gladiator II and Wicked 🤯 how there is good and evil represented in both, that would’ve never crossed my mind!!!
everyone just say thank you Variety
This is a perfect match for this conversation. They're both super talented and seem so genuine
Why am I crying…. So proud of these two talented people
gosh she is just so adorable and warm
paul is very obviously nervous but ariana makes him comfortable and plus they fit together haha 😭
This is the light Ari deserves to be in! Awesome discussion between them two.