The Story Behind Andrew Scott's 'Tortured Man Club' Group Chat with Joe Alwyn and Paul Mescal

Andrew Scott Explains Inspiration for Now Collapsed Joe Alwyn and Paul Mescal Group Chat

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Andrew Scott is sharing the scoop on the inspiration behind his “Tortured Man Club” group chat with Joe Alwyn and Paul Mescal.

According to Scott, 47, the idea stemmed from their upcoming roles as tortured characters in different projects. He mentioned that his portrayal of a tortured character in Fleabag played a key role in forming the group chat.

Alwyn, aged 32, and Mescal, aged 28, were both cast in adaptations of Sally Rooney's novels. Mescal portrayed Connell in the Hulu series Normal People in 2020. Two years later, Alwyn took on the role of Nick Conway in the adaptation of Rooney's Conversations With Friends on the same streaming platform. Scott, known for his role as The Priest on Fleabag from 2016 to 2019, had previously worked with Alwyn in Catherine Called Birdy in 2022.

When Alwyn secured his role in Conversations With Friends, Scott introduced him to Mescal after his portrayal in Normal People through a group chat.

Scott remembered having three texts in a group chat saying, "Hey, guys." You know how sometimes those groups you create just fall apart.

Even though the group chat seemed to fall apart, Scott's friends in the group are still thankful for being introduced.

Mescal shared that if you are fortunate enough to have his admiration or respect, he serves as a great protector of actors. He possesses a keen eye for recognizing quality art and talented actors, understanding their rarity.

During a 2022 interview for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series, Alwyn disclosed the name of the "Tortured Man Club." In February, a video resurfaced after Taylor Swift, Alwyn's former partner, announced her new album titled The Tortured Poets Department. Fans speculated that the album's title was inspired by Alwyn's group chat, as both names include the word "tortured." Some songs on the album are believed to be about Swift and Alwyn's breakup in 2023.

Swift released her TTPD in April and has moved on from the breakup drama. The record includes tracks inspired by her 2023 fling with Matty Healy and her current relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce.

In a recent Instagram post, Swift expressed that the chapter of her life involving the breakup is now closed. She emphasized that there is no need for revenge or settling scores once wounds have healed. According to her, expressing sadness through writing can be liberating, as tears turn into words on a page. After sharing our saddest stories, we can find freedom from them.

Scott did not mention if TTPD was named after his group chat with Alwyn and Mescal, but he loves the album.

He expressed his admiration for Taylor's new album, calling it sensational. Scott told Variety that he texted her to express how incredible he found it. He also revealed that his favorite song from the album is "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived". Scott described Taylor as a force of nature and an extraordinary human being, praising the album as really amazing.

Editor's P/S:

Andrew Scott's "Tortured Man Club" group chat, featuring Joe Alwyn and Paul Mescal, is a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect among talented actors. Scott's insight into the formation of the chat, based on their shared experiences of portraying tortured characters, reveals the unique bond they have forged through their craft. The chat has become a space for support and admiration, as Mescal acknowledges Scott's ability to identify and nurture emerging talent.

The connection between the "Tortured Man Club" and Taylor Swift's album title "The Tortured Poets Department" adds an intriguing layer to the story. While the album's inspiration remains unclear, it has sparked speculation about a possible influence from the group chat. Regardless of its origin, Scott's enthusiasm for Swift's album highlights the appreciation and admiration within the creative community, where artists find inspiration and support from each other's work.