Natalie Portman has sparked speculation of a blossoming romance with Paul Mescal.
The 42-year-old, who is newly-single, was papped on a night out with the Irish actor, 28, at Bar 69 in Islington, London on Tuesday.
In photos published by MailOnline, the pair appeared very comfortable with each other as they laughed and chatted while having a cigarette outside the venue.
Newly-single Natalie Portman, 42, looks giddy with Paul Mescal, 28, as they get the giggles while enjoying a smoke outside a London bar… weeks after finalising divorce from Benjamin Millepied amid affair rumours https://t.co/x4HxZUtqJl
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) May 30, 2024
It’s understood the actors met last year when they interviewed each other for Variety magazine.
During their conversation, Natalie praised Paul’s sex scenes with Andrew Scott in All of Us Strangers, which she described as “very hot but also very tender”.
Paul also gushed over Natalie, and confessed: “If my drama school self knew that I would be talking to you, I would pinch myself many, many times!”
The news comes just weeks after Natalie finalised her divorce from her now ex-husband Benjamin Millepied after 11 years of marriage.
The former couple share two children – son Aleph, 12, and daughter Amalia, 7 – and have been seen upset with each other during family outings.
Natalie’s spokesperson confirmed the news to PEOPLE magazine.
A source told the outlet: “It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it.
“Natalie is coming out of a really tough and painful year but she’s come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work.”
“Her biggest priority has been ensuring a smooth transition for her children.
“She and Ben really love their kids and are equally focused on being the best co-parents they can be. Nothing is more important,” the source concluded.
Fans noticed that the actress appeared to be living a separate life from the director after she spoke to the Wall Street Journal about her living situation.
Eagle-eyed fans also spotted that the actress had not been seen wearing her wedding ring since June last year.
In her interview with the Wall Street Journal, Natalie revealed she was currently living in Paris with her two children – and made no mention of the French choreographer.
The WSJ interview was also published just days before the Golden Globes, where Natalie was seen without her wedding ring.
A source told Us Weekly back in August that she and Benjamin had been “trying to work on their marriage but are currently on the outs”.
Natalie and Benjamin, who is a professional ballet dancer, met on the set of the 2010 film Black Swan.
Meanwhile, Paul is believed to be single.
In October, it was reported that the Irish star had signed up to a celebrity dating app following his split from American singer Phoebe Bridgers.
Last month, the Kildare native was linked to British actress Florence Pugh, after they attended numerous BAFTA after parties together.
The week prior, the pair were seen grabbing dinner together in New York City.
A source told The Sun: “Florence and Paul move in the same circles and have been mates for some time.
“If their friendship moved into something more romantic no one would be surprised.”
