Our 6 Favorite Pedro Pascal Roles to Date 

Saying Pedro Pascal has shot to fame is not a hot take. The Chilean-American actor has been dominating Hollywood screens and streaming platforms lately, but his acting career is more extensive than you might guess. From shorts and contemporary Westerns to animated films and post-apocalyptic television shows, Pascal’s body of work is impressively diverse, showcasing his versatility. Add to that his beloved personality and widespread appeal, and it’s no secret why Pascal is an audience favorite.     

With his 2025 roles as Harry in “Materialists,” Ted Garcia in “Eddington” and Reed Richards — or Mister Fantastic — in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” it’s time to take a look back at the best Pedro Pascal movies and shows to date. 

1. Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones 

If you know anything about “Game of Thrones,” you know giving a synopsis might require eight years — the number of seasons the iconic show based on George R. R. Martin’s book series lasted. Suffice it to say, the show is an epic fantasy drama set in the fictional world of Westeros, where noble families vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. 

Pascal plays Oberyn Martell — also known as the Red Viper — a Dornish prince who arrives in King’s Landing seeking revenge for the murder of his sister and her children by Gregor Clegane, popularly known as The Mountain. 

While he only appears in the fourth season, Pascal brings a magnetism to the role of the open-minded and charismatic Oberyn. The skilled warrior’s tragic death at the hands of The Mountain shocked and saddened fans who were rooting for Oberyn’s vengeance. 

2. Javier Peña in Narcos

“Narcos” — a three-season show based on the true story of the DEA’s hunt for notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar — came out in 2015, but Pascal’s role as Javier Peña is one of his most memorable. Playing a real-life special agent is no easy feat, but Pascal takes on the challenge, bringing an authentic, human complexity to the character. 

Pascal’s depiction of Peña is nuanced, and his acting choices — down to his walk, stance and gestures — are some of his best work. The real-life Peña worked as a consultant on the show. Pascal’s performance makes it clear that he took advantage of the opportunity to study the man behind Escobar’s eventual takedown. 

3. Din Djarin in The Mandalorian 

The Mandalorians are a fictional group of former conquerors associated with the planet Mandalore in the Star Wars universe. In Disney+’s sci-fi series “The Mandalorian,” Pascal plays Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter and the series’ titular character. 

When he is hired to capture Grogu — whom fans affectionately call Baby Yoda — he chooses to protect him instead. As Din Djarin becomes Grogu’s father figure throughout the show’s three seasons, he must navigate his own past and relationship to the Mandalorian code. The role is famous for highlighting Pascal’s ability to play adoptive father figures — a skill he draws on in “The Last of Us.” 

Part of what makes Pascal’s work in “The Mandalorian” so memorable is that the character is in a full suit of armor covering his face for most of the show. While Pascal is not in the suit the whole time — especially when professional stunt actors need to handle some of the more action-heavy scenes — Pascal’s voice gives life and presence to the solitary, brave and honorable character.  

4. Joel Miller in The Last of Us 

“The Last of Us” came out in 2023. In it, Pascal plays Joel Miller, a hardened survivor living in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal plague. Twenty years after the outbreak, he is tasked with escorting Ellie — played by Bella Ramsey — across the country because her immunity to the infection might hold the key to a cure. Joel becomes a surrogate father figure to Ellie as he grapples with his past trauma and what it means to survive. 

There are many movies based on video games, but “The Last of Us” is one of the few shows. It’s adapted from a popular video game of the same name, which came out in 2013. Pascal brings a sense of reality and subtlety to the role that helps take the story from video game consoles to the big screen. 

Thanks to Pascal’s acting chops and the show’s timely release, viewers everywhere resonated with Joel’s character as they navigated the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and its long-lasting effects, such as mental health impacts. After the show, Ramsey and Pascal still enjoy a close relationship, with the two often appearing in the press together as costars turned inseparable friends. 

5. Fink in The Wild Robot  

Kid or adult, “The Wild Robot” is worth a watch. Much like “The Last of Us,” the show deals with contemporary themes, albeit from a different perspective. It follows a robot named Roz who ends up on a remote, unnamed island and must learn to survive. Roz eventually becomes an unlikely parent to an orphaned gosling, which is where Fink — a mischievous fox voiced by Pascal — enters the scene. 

“The Wild Robot” is an animated movie — with truly stunning, hand-painted-style visuals — but Pascal brings the same dedication to voicing Fink that he does to every role. Fink goes from a selfish, solitary creature to a loyal co-parent, and it’s Pascal’s talent that makes this whole evolutionary arc so touching. 

The movie’s release in 2024 makes its exploration of themes like technology, nature and what it means to be human all the more relevant amidst conversations about how the trajectory of AI and technological innovation will impact society. 

6. Javi Gutiérrez in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent 

“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” is a hilarious, chaotic adventure in the way only Nicolas Cage could do it. Released in 2022, the movie stars Nick Cage alongside Pedro Pascal in a modern take on the buddy movie that pokes fun at the nature of celebrity and fandom. It’s a great pick for hosting a movie night with friends since it’s equal parts entertainment and hilarity. 

Cage plays himself, and Pascal plays Javi Gutiérrez, a wealthy businessman and Cage superfan. As the two bond over their shared love of cinema, Cage discovers Javi’s potentially dangerous side and is recruited by the CIA to gather intelligence on him.  

Pascal adds to his already diverse repertoire by showcasing his comedic skills. While previous Pedro Pascal roles are already ample evidence of his own massive talent, his role as Gutiérrez convinced viewers he could succeed in any role. 

The Enduring Appeal of Pedro Pascal 

The best Pedro Pascal shows and movies highlight the actor’s talents and ability to take on any character, from a revenge-seeking warrior to a criminal billionaire and superfan. He brings a sense of reality and magnetism to all his roles, and many emotionally resonate long after the credits roll. Pascal’s rise to fame isn’t a fluke — he has the versatility, experience, talent and dedication to back it up. Fans around the world eagerly await the next, sure-to-be-iconic Pedro Pascal roles.