Paul Mescal Adorably Blushes When 5-Year-Old Asks Him Why His Shorts Are So Short: ‘They’re Not Custom Made’

Mar. 15, 2025

Paul Mescal.Photo:The Image Direct (2)

The Image Direct (2)

Paul Mescalis a fashion icon for all ages.

In a clip shared toTikTokon Thursday, Nov. 14, the Irish actor, 28, paid a visit to BBC Radio 1, where he took a question from a caller — and despite the fan’s age, she asked what we’ve all been dying to know!

“Hi, my name is Lily,” the child said while introducing herself over the phone. “I’m 5 years old. Hi, Paul.”

After getting a greeting back from Mescal, who was recently nominated forPEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, Lily got down to business.

“Why are your shorts so short?” she asked.

Her inquiry received laughs from theAll of Us Strangersstar, as well as the radio show’s two co-hosts.

“It’s a good question, Lily,” Mescal admitted, before taking a moment to let out a few more laughs. According to the actor, “Lily’s mum definitely asked her that.”

Still, theAftersunactor was happy to provide an answer.

Paul Mescal at the Gucci fashion show during Milan Fashion Week, June 2024.Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty

Aitor Rosas Sune/WWD via Getty

“They’re short — Lily, they’re sports shorts,” he began, trying to find the right way to explain his response to the child. “They’re not custom made for me to be short, they’re just very practical for exercise, and they’re great for running in.”

After a bit of back and forth with the radio hosts, Mescal joked that he may take his short shorts look to the next level in the coming months.

“I might next summer just like, have my bum [hanging out],” he said while laughing, adding that he would “go for the hot pants next summer.”

Mescal’s short shorts have been a thing since at least 2022.

That year, he spoke withInterviewMagazineabout his viral look, telling hisLost DaughtercostarDakota Johnsonthat he didn’t need to keep any of the photoshoot looks because “I’ve got a pretty extensive short shorts wardrobe.”

Though Mescal’s legs have long been the center of attention, in his upcoming role as Lucius inGladiator II, his upper body sees some major screen time.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.Cuba Scott/Paramount Pictures

Cuba Scott/Paramount Pictures

During a visit toThe Graham Norton Showon Oct. 25 to promote the upcoming film, Mescal said he had “fun” getting ripped to star in the role.

“I ate a lot of chicken and lifted heavy things,” Mescal said, noting that his trainer “circled me like a shark.”

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And Mescal did what was expected of him, while also staying true to himself.

“I did everything he asked, but I like to drink, and I like to smoke, so I drew a line in the sand where those were concerned,” the actor said.

The upcoming action film is the sequel toRussell Crowe’s 2000Gladiator— which wonBest Picture at the Academy Awards— and starsDenzel Washington,Pedro Pascal,Joseph QuinnandDjimon Hounsou.

Gladiator IIis in theaters on Nov. 22.

source: people.com