A Pedro pASCAL SUMMER TO REMEMBER

It’s safe to say that America’s Boyfriend belongs to the world — and that the world is still swooning. Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal has carved a place in Hollywood not just through the roles he’s played, but through the ways he makes us feel. From the grit of Narcos to the mystery of The Mandalorian (2019), and the heartache of The Last of Us (2023), Pascal's characters live inside us long after the credits roll off.  as one of the most prominent and versatile actors of the 21st century. In recent years, his career has seen a remarkable ascent, earning him widespread recognition for his performances in critically acclaimed television series such as Narcos (2015), The Mandalorian (2019), and The Last of Us (2023).

Off screen, his humility, warmth, and effortless charm have turned admiration into devotion. This summer, he gifted us not one, but three very different Pedro moments — and each reminded us why we celebrate him like family.

Materialists Release Date: June 13, 2025
In Celine Song’s romantic dramedy, we meet Harry — Pascal’s disarmingly charismatic brother-of-the-groom — during a Manhattan wedding. The story follows Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a matchmaker who makes her living deeply understanding her clients in hopes of pairing them with the perfect partner.  During a wedding for one of her clients, Lucy encounters Harry—the brother of the groom—portrayed by Pedro Pascal. His chemistry with Lucy (Dakota Johnson) lights up the screen, but this isn’t a love story that gives us a fairytale ending. Instead, it gifts us something quieter, more human: the realization that connection doesn’t always mean forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film—so much so that I watched it twice in succession. Although she was primarily recognized for her directorial debut Past Lives (2023), Materialists managed to surpass it in my opinion. The film's marketing suggested a prominent love triangle involving the three central characters—Lucy, John, and Harry—portrayed by Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. The trio frequently appeared together in interviews, engaging in discussions about romance and participating in promotional games, which led me to anticipate a storyline centered on a love triangle.

Yes, I wanted more of Pedro on screen (who wouldn’t?). But even in limited moments, he delivers with the kind of presence that makes you lean in. And the film’s celebration of love in all its imperfect, unpolished forms? That’s where the intimacy lies. 

Eddington Release Date: July 18, 2025

Leave it to Ari Aster to transform the collective ache of the pandemic into a hauntingly beautiful portrait of humanity under pressure. Set in a small town navigating lockdown, political unrest, and private grief, Pascal’s Ted Garcia is the steady heartbeat of a community unraveling. Ari Aster—renowned for his work in the horror and thriller genres with films such as Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019)—Eddington is among the most anticipated films of the year. Having two major premieres at both the Cannes Film Festival and the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles, this movie was able to have eyes on it before trailers were even released. 

This film presents a compelling narrative, largely due to director Ari Aster’s decision to center the story around the COVID-19 pandemic—an event that the target audience experienced firsthand. Aster introduces a range of characters, each isolated within their own emotional and social “bubbles,” allowing viewers to explore varied perspectives and individual responses to a shared crisis.

Set in the small town of Eddington, the film unfolds during the height of the 2020 pandemic, where the sense of confinement and tension among residents becomes increasingly palpable. Many characters grapple with a fear of helplessness, trapped in a cycle of attempting to assert control over an uncontrollable situation. Pedro Pascal portrays Ted Garcia, the town’s incumbent mayor, who is seeking re-election. Opposing him is Joe Cross, the local sheriff, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who also announces his candidacy amid the chaos of the pandemic. As the film progresses, numerous new characters are introduced, each reflecting the diverse ways in which both the pandemic and local political unrest have shaped their lives.

One of the most striking moments occurs near the film’s conclusion, when Joe murders Ted and his teenage son, subsequently covering up his crimes. This shocking turn of events precipitates unrest in the town. The film closes with Joe assuming the role of mayor, and the town gradually returning to a semblance of normalcy as the pandemic subsides. 

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Release Date: July 25, 2025
From arthouse tension to Marvel spectacle, Pedro stretches — literally — into Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. Here, his intellect meets his elasticity, embodying a leader whose brilliance is matched by his moral compass. The film’s energy is pure MCU magic: fast-paced, world-saving, and building toward Avengers: Doomsday.

What’s special here isn’t just the superhero arc. It’s watching Pedro, a Latino actor in one of Hollywood’s most globally visible roles, lead a team toward something bigger than themselves. It’s representation that thrills us as much as the action scenes.

I have long been an avid admirer of Marvel, and I was particularly eager to see how this film would turn out, especially given the company's significant influence on the film industry in 2018 and 2019 with its blockbuster releases. The experience exceeded my expectations in ways I could not have anticipated.

Regarding the film's marketing, I found it to be relatively minimal. I encountered only a few trailers, which meant I entered the theater with limited expectations or context. Nevertheless, the plot held my attention throughout the entire hour and a half runtime. Each character possessed unique qualities, and it was evident that they all shared a common objective: to do what was right for their world.

Pedro Pascal holds a vital place in Hollywood, largely due to his widespread admiration and his reputation for treating everyone in the industry with humility and respect.

Pedro Pascal’s summer run wasn’t just a flex of range — it was a reminder that our stories, our faces, and our talents belong everywhere: in quiet romance, in political drama, and in blockbuster universes.

And maybe that’s why we love him so fiercely: Pedro doesn’t just play characters. He invites us to feel with him. To dream with him. To see ourselves in worlds we never imagined possible.