Unstoppable Success
Pedro Pascal continues his transformation as a global phenomenon
A staff writer speaks with the actor about his progress on TV and film
It wouldn’t be a surprise if there was a remake of The Terminator with Pedro Pascal assuming the role of the relentless cyborg – because it seems anything is possible for the Chilean-American actor.
With his part in three huge blockbusters over the next year or so on both silver and small screens, and with a voice animation part fitted in for good measure, Pedro is experiencing a golden period as he arrows towards his half-century.
With roots tracing back to early roles in shows such as The Good Wife, CSI and Law & Order, Pascal’s career has truly gained momentum over the last decade or so – having been little more than a bit part player in a jobbing acting scene.
That run of fallow years for the Santiago native saw him rarely able to make his star shine as brightly as Pedro’s potential indicated it might. Ultimately, it was his unforgettable portrayal of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones that marked the beginning of a meteoric rise.
His subsequent lead role as Javier Peña in Narcos further established him as an actor who thrives on intense and layered performances. This was followed by significant stints in films such as The Great Wall, The Equalizer 2, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and so on.
Pascal’s trajectory reached new heights with his participation in major franchises including The Mandalorian, which debuted in 2019, and the critically acclaimed The Last of Us in 2023 – a performance he will reassume in 2025.
Despite a soaring career and booming public profile however, Pedro remains a very private individual.
He explains: “I am unmarried and don’t have children – so I’m not sure the media is really that concerned about me. I like to keep to myself and my life away from the lens, and that’s definitely the conditions under which I can produce my best work. I think when you listen too much to all the noise, it takes something away from you.”
Pascal has been preparing for what promises to be a blockbuster year ahead – starring in Gladiator II, lending his voice to The Wild Robot and reprising his role in the second season of The Last of Us.
“Momentum is vital, no matter what you do in life. In this industry, you need the momentum to wake up each morning – because sometimes when things are not going your way, the setbacks and rejection can hurt,” Pedro muses.
For Pascal, the sense is that those days are done. Opening up about Gladiator II, he expresses visible excitement about playing Marcus Acacius – a character trained by the legendary Maximus from the original movie.
The actor notes: “It’s a fresh angle within the Gladiator universe but still honours the legacy of the first film. There’s a lot of depth and complexity to the character, which made it a fantastic challenge for an actor.”
Preparation for such a physically demanding role required dedication and he acknowledges the unique challenges of performing alongside co-star Paul Mescal, who had bulked up for his role.
Pedro reveals: “I worked with a team of trainers to build up the strength and endurance needed, as there were fights and stunts that required months of preparation.”
“Doing the combat scenes with Paul was intense and I wondered what it would have been like to face off against him in Roman times. I’m so glad I didn’t have to,” he says with a smile on his face.
As for how Gladiator II will differentiate itself from its predecessor, Pascal says: “The movie keeps the epic scope of the original while exploring new themes and characters. We dive deeper into the political and social landscape of ancient Rome with action sequences that are as visceral as ever. It’s not simply a continuation. It’s a reimagining of sorts.”
Working with Ridley Scott was another highlight of the experience. The actor says he already held immense respect for the directing icon but linking up with him felt like a daily masterclass.
Pedro observes: “His attention to detail – from historical accuracy to emotional nuances – is remarkable. He knows exactly how to draw out performances that serve the story and gives actors the freedom to explore their characters while guiding them with his vision.”
“The fact that those same characters are deeply flawed, and the dynamics are competitive and fractured, only adds another element to what is a visually stunning product,” Pascal enthuses.
The Last of Us sees the actor hint at a season two that promises to be even more intense. He reveals that “the stakes are going to rise significantly. We will see more emotional moments as the story dives deeper into the characters’ lives and explores the darker themes of the game.”
Pedro Pascal carries himself with a sense of dignity and humility for what he has, and what he may go on to achieve.
