Beyond Superpowers: The Real Strength of Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal is well known for his non-scripted answers. The actor doesn’t fear censorship or stepping on toes in the process of standing up for what he believes in. In a social media world, in which nothing is left to chance and everything is pre-approved, stars often feel like they’re living in glass houses. Overshadowed by celebrities’ public relations teams and corporate media approval policies, Hollywood media is a whole different beast than it was just a decade ago. Instead of lengthy interviews with journalists, publications now prefer quick influencer reactions and copy-and-paste sponsored content. These policies breed a culture of silence, with celebrities at risk of being ousted from a platform with a single sentence.

But not Pascal. The actor, who recently became a global household name, never hesitates to speak up when the occasion calls for it. Though now one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, Pedro Pascal knows how to stay true to himself and his principles. Sure, the 50-year-old loves his craft as much as any actor would, but Pascal’s meteoric rise to stardom won’t distract him from his humanitarian values and real talk.

Pedro Pascal stars in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Since gaining international recognition for his role in The Mandalorian, Pascal hasn’t stopped using his platform for good. His most recent role as Marvel’s Dr. Reed Richards, also known as The Fantastic Four, premieres on November 16. Pascal is joined by Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn to direct a new standalone adaptation of the popular superhero franchise.

The role may be new, but the themes are constant. Pascal’s character—a scientist as well as a superhero, tasked with saving humanity and preparing for the birth of his first child with Sue Storm—finds itself beyond the film itself. A strong advocate for social and humanitarian issues, Pascal uses his 11 million followers on Instagram for good. From Palestine food blockades to LGBTQ+ support in Ukraine, the actor doesn’t shy away from controversial topics. Whether he’s posting about what he’s reading, wearing a “Protect The Dolls” shirt, or sharing music he’s been jamming to on set, it’s rare to see Pedro Pascal without a link to an outside organisation—Doctors Without Borders, The Trevor Project, Global Citizen, or The Black Theatre Workshop, to name a few.

“It’s very easy to get scared, no matter what you sort of talk about,” he said.

Pedro Pascal, Source: Instagram

Easy or not, Pascal continues to speak out. With social media algorithms spinning lies into mass media at the speed of light, it’s only a matter of time before the actor’s own words are turned against him. One sentence, a statement taken out of context, can go viral on TikTok or be regurgitated in a national newspaper in a matter of hours. “I think there are so many different ways that things can get kind of fractured and have a life of itself,” Pascal continued.

But fear, he explains, will never be enough to shut him up.

A sentiment as honest as it is rare in a world where multimillion-dollar brands are built on a balance sheet instead of talent. Pascal’s ability to be forthcoming with who he is—his views, his ideas, his beliefs—speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. Especially for an actor at his level. The industry is competitive, with thousands of emerging creatives around the world gunning for their chance. Those who make it risk being a replaceable cog in the corporate entertainment machine, walking tightropes and dodging bullets on their path to a meaningless green light. Pascal knows the risk and has made the choice to speak.

Pedro Pascal is More Than Marvel’s “Fantastic” Star

Pedro Pascal’s character in The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a responsibility of his own. As both a man with the world on his shoulders and a husband preparing for the arrival of his first child with Sue Storm, Richards is under intense pressure.

Under the helm of WandaVision‘s Matt Shakman, Marvel’s take on The Fantastic Four will reboot the popular superhero franchise with Pascal as lead. Sharing the screen with Pascal are Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn.

As for Pascal, it’s no secret that the actor has been around the block before. His breakout roles in series like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us have only recently been met by global stardom. From looking at his timeline to learning more about his work outside of entertainment, his authenticity is palpable. That sort of assurance, that ability to be Pedro Pascal without the walls Hollywood sets up around its biggest stars, could only come from someone who didn’t become big overnight.

Pedro Pascal’s off-screen values—and the fact he’s willing to use his voice to share them with the world—make him, by all accounts, “fantastic.”