Pedro Pascal is an incredibly busy actor, actively participating in major productions such as The Mandalorian and its eagerly awaited spin-off, The Mandalorian and Grogu. Furthermore, he is set to star in the highly anticipated Fantastic Four, which is slated for release in July 2026. Additionally, his current role in the video game adaptation of The Last of Us is captivating audiences on HBO Max. Pascal’s journey in the entertainment industry began with minor appearances but has significantly evolved since his early roles on shows like Law and Order and NYPD Blue.
Over the past decade, since his breakthrough performances, Pedro Pascal has firmly established himself as a remarkably versatile actor known for his ability to seamlessly inhabit a wide range of characters. His performances transition effortlessly from a hardened survivor navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape to a whimsical superhero or the charismatic Red Viper. While the aforementioned projects might first come to mind when considering Pascal’s extensive filmography, there are several other notable performances that equally deserve recognition.
10
‘Wonder Woman 1984’ (2020)
Directed by Patty Jenkins
Pedro Pascal showcases his incredible range as he effortlessly transitions from a character adept with a whip in Kingsman to a devious agent in the The Equalizer universe, and then to the unhinged businessman Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman 1984. His ability to embody such diverse roles is nothing short of impressive, and his talent will continue to astound audiences. Although his character in WW84 may not overshadow some of his other prominent roles, it certainly warrants appreciation for its uniqueness.
Max Lord is a character from the DC universe who has appeared in various media forms, beginning in comic books and extending to film and television adaptations. Pascal’s portrayal of this charismatic yet manipulative character, who is the founder of the Black Gold Cooperative and a passionate infomercial enthusiast, resonated with fans. While the film itself faced criticism from some quarters, it undeniably showcases Pascal’s remarkable acting capabilities, making it an entertaining watch, even if merely enjoyed in the background.
9
‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
The Kingsman film series is renowned for its blend of high-tech spy gadgets and comedic escapades, featuring an ensemble of well-known actors, including Taron Egerton, Ralph Fiennes, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, and many others. One of the more memorable yet shorter-lived additions to this series occurred when Pedro Pascal joined the cast for the second installment of the franchise.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle set social media ablaze with Pedro Pascal fans back in 2023, particularly due to a widely circulated fan edit on TikTok (which many have certainly seen). Despite the proliferation of videos inspired by Pascal’s standout performance as Whiskey, his role in The Golden Circle quickly became significant upon its release in 2017, further cementing his status as a talented actor among the industry’s elite.
8
‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ (2022)
Directed by Tom Gormican
Occasionally, a film emerges in which an actor portrays themselves or an exaggerated version of their persona within a fictional narrative. These films can either flop spectacularly or resonate deeply with audiences, and the action-comedy from three years ago directed by Tom Gormican undoubtedly falls into the latter category.
Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal shine as the lead duo in this entertaining buddy comedy, which is filled with humor and nostalgic nods to Cage’s extensive filmography. The narrative takes unexpected turns that keep viewers engaged. It’s genuinely delightful to watch, especially due to the chemistry between Pascal and Cage, which is nothing short of brilliant as they play off each other flawlessly. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent stands out in its own right and is a must-see for fans of both actors.
7
‘The Equalizer 2’ (2018)
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Pedro Pascal has developed a reputation for predominantly two types of roles: he often embodies a fatherly figure or faces an untimely demise in most narratives. In the case of The Equalizer, it is the latter that holds true, which isn’t much of a surprise at this point.
The Equalizer is a well-known film series that includes three feature films and two television adaptations, but Pascal only appears in the second film of the trilogy. He takes on the role of Dave York, a former partner of Denzel Washington’s Robert McCall, who has made the transition from a DIA officer to a contract killer, ultimately betraying those he once worked with. Unfortunately for him, this leads to a grim fate, marking the first time Pascal has portrayed a character who meets such a devastating end. Yes, surprisingly, he isn’t the only one.
6
‘Gladiator II’ (2024)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Whether loved or criticized, the sequel to the acclaimed 2000 classic directed by Ridley Scott made a significant impact, despite initial skepticism surrounding its necessity. Many believed that Gladiator was a standalone masterpiece that should not have been continued. However, the completed film managed to turn some opinions around.
<em>Gladiator II</em> is not without its flaws, but it also presents a compelling narrative. Pedro Pascal portrays Acacius, a Roman general with ties to Gerard Butler’s iconic Maximus. General Acacius is yet another character in Pascal’s repertoire who suffers a tragic fate, but that doesn’t diminish his remarkable performance in a film that drew mixed receptions from audiences. Regardless of the plot’s critique, the performances from the cast were undeniably compelling.
5
‘The Wild Robot’
Created by Chris Sanders
The Wild Robot is celebrated as one of the most highly acclaimed features from DreamWorks Animation, and it’s easy to see why. The film boasts stunning cinematography and a beautifully crafted storyline, setting a high standard for book-to-film adaptations.
The narrative follows a sophisticated robot that crash-lands on an island following a devastating typhoon, where she must adapt to her environment and the local wildlife to survive. Pedro Pascal lends his voice to Fink, a fox who becomes the first furry companion Roz encounters, setting her on an extraordinary journey. “Sometimes to survive, we must become more than we were programmed to be.” This quote remains one of the most memorable lines from cinema, and The Wild Robot stands out as one of the sweetest animated tales ever told.
4
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)
Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
In 2014, Pedro Pascal’s career took a significant leap forward when he took on the role of Oberyn Martell. His remarkable seven-episode performance as this charismatic character left a lasting impression on <em>Game of Thrones</em> fans for many reasons. It’s safe to say that Pedro Pascal is no stranger to portraying characters who meet brutal ends.
Oberyn arrives in King’s Landing as a representative of his brother, but his true motive—to seek vengeance for the murder of his sister and her children—quickly becomes clear. Although his time on the show ended dramatically, Pascal’s portrayal in the iconic HBO series marked a pivotal moment in his career, undoubtedly propelling him to his current status. It remains one of his most memorable roles, and it’s hard to envision anyone else embodying Game of Thrones’ legendary Red Viper.
3
‘Narcos’ (2015 – 2017)
Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro
Narcos stands out as a Netflix original series that many consider one of the finest in its genre. The series delves into the operations of a team of DEA agents on a mission to dismantle the notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s empire, and it is lauded for its exceptional writing.
Pedro Pascal portrays Javier Peña, a recurring character throughout the three-season series created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. He plays a pivotal role as one of the agents dedicated to capturing Escobar and another cartel leader later in the series. Pascal’s portrayal of Javier is considered one of his finest, though it sometimes gets overshadowed by his more recent roles. Narcos offers a raw and gripping portrayal of Escobar’s world, providing a believable insight into the life of a DEA agent. This series is ideal for crime drama enthusiasts seeking a shorter narrative to satisfy their cravings.
2
‘The Mandalorian’ (2019 – Present)
Created by Jon Favreau
The Mandalorian has opened a new chapter for Star Wars enthusiasts, establishing itself as one of the most beloved entries in the franchise in recent years. This series has created an expansive universe of interconnected stories on Disney+, with the latest addition being Andor.
Pedro Pascal stars as the titular character, embarking on numerous adventures across the galaxy, engaging with both allies and foes, and of course, baby Grogu. Fans have wholeheartedly embraced Pascal’s entrance into the Star Wars universe, and the impact of The Mandalorian will be cherished by many. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Mando and Grogu in the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu, set to release next year.
1
‘The Last of Us’ (2023 – Present)
Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann
HBO’s The Last of Us is heralded as one of the finest video game adaptations ever created. This genre is often riddled with failures in the eyes of both critics and fans of the original material, which makes the triumph of Naughty Dog’s TLoU even more commendable.
Joel Miller stands as one of the most iconic characters in video game history, particularly in the realm of PlayStation titles. Although it initially seemed daunting to bring him to the screen, Pedro Pascal quickly demonstrated that he was the perfect choice for the role. He captured Joel’s essence flawlessly, embodying his personality and mannerisms while showcasing the character’s depth and evolution as the narrative unfolds. Alongside Troy Baker’s legendary performance, there may not have been a more fitting actor for Joel in this adaptation.
