Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor's new film The History of Sound has received a disappointing update, as director Oliver Hermanus has confirmed it won’t arrive until at least next year.
Speaking to Awards Watch, the filmmaker said that he’s currently aiming to debut the gay romance film at Cannes 2025, which kicks off in May, despite hopes for it to premiere during this year’s festival circuit.
"Venice asked for it but it’s not ready," he said in reference to the 2024 Venice Film Festival, which takes place in September. "We have a lot of score to create, Paul and Josh sing in it, and it’s all about sound."
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However, while the film is now aiming to premiere at Cannes in May 2025, it likely won’t arrive in cinemas until later that year.
Based on the Pushcart Prize-winning short story by Ben Shattuck, The History of Sound will focus on David (O'Connor) and Lionel (Mescal), two young men who set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American compatriots who travelled to Europe to fight in World War I.
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A first look at the film was released earlier this year, showing Mescal and O'Connor strolling side by side while sporting three-piece suits and flat caps.
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In other news, Mescal will next be seen on-screen later this year in the hotly-anticipated sequel to Gladiator.
The film, directed by Ridley Scott, will see the Normal People star in the lead role of Lucius, the now grown-up son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus – characters played by Connie Nielsen and Joaquin Phoenix in the first film.
Meanwhile, The Crown's Josh O'Connor was recently attached to star in Separate Rooms. The film will mark a reunion between the actor and his Challengers director Luca Guadagnino, who is adapting the script from Pier Vittorio Tondelli's 1989 novel alongside screenwriter Francesca Manieri.
The History of Sound is currently scheduled to premiere in 2025.
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Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
