Pedro Pascal: A Star’s Journey From Humble Beginnings to Global Icon

Pedro Pascal isn’t one to wait for an invitation. The acclaimed star of “The Last of Us” actively sought a role – any role – in Bad Bunny’s electrifying Super Bowl Halftime show. As he reveals in a new interview with Fantastic Man magazine, Pascal reached out to the Grammy-winning artist’s team, offering his services even for the most humble of tasks. “I wanted to participate in any way – literally a volunteer position, like serving coffee if needed,” he shared. “When it comes to representation synchronized with celebration there’s no one better than Benito at the moment, and that fills me with inspiration outside of just being super into his music.”

A Persistent Pursuit & A Last-Minute Call

Despite his enthusiasm, Pascal initially didn’t receive a response. After completing work on Tony Gilroy’s upcoming “Behemoth,” he playfully lamented his lack of communication. “I was lamenting about not hearing back and I sent someone an email with a selfie of me sticking my tongue out, being, like, ‘It’s really me.’ Within 25 minutes, they called me back and they were like, ‘We want you to come to the show.’”

Dancing in ‘La Casita’: A Surreal Moment

Pascal’s only instruction for the big day? Wear beige. What followed was a whirlwind experience. “We’re up in the stands watching the game and somebody pulls me from my seat and takes me backstage and then there’s Cardi B and there’s Young Miko and Karol G and Jessica Alba,” Pascal recalled. He was then informed his role was simple: dance. The realization that he was about to perform in the iconic “Casita” from Encanto hit him just before the show began. “It’s the Casita. I’m such a fucking idiot. Oh my god, I’m going to be in the Casita,” he thought, as he was led onto the field, appearing, in his own words, “like a deer in headlights.”

Late Bloom & Grateful Reflection

The interview also delves into Pascal’s experience with fame arriving later in life. Turning 51 on April 2nd, he reflects on the common feeling of imposter syndrome. “There’s a universal feeling of imposter syndrome that we all can experience when we’re being unkind to ourselves, especially if it’s somehow uncomfortable to get what you want,” he explained. However, he also expressed immense gratitude for being a “fully developed character” before achieving widespread recognition. “I’m kind of out of the oven, already baked. I was 38 years old when I got the part of Oberyn Martell [in ‘Game of Thrones’].”

From Waitering to Worldwide Recognition

Pascal’s path wasn’t always glamorous. He recounted his years of waitering and bartending in New York City, often living paycheck to paycheck. “It was paycheck to paycheck, but the theatre work became somewhat consistent for a few years,” he said. Even a small role on “Law & Order” felt like a major victory. He acknowledged the financial support he received from his sister and friends during those challenging times.

The Signature Mustache & Political Voice

The actor also addressed his iconic mustache, admitting he initially lacked the confidence to grow facial hair. “I’d never had the courage to sport facial hair of any kind because I felt like I grew such weak facial hair,” he confessed. Roles like Oberyn Martell and his work on “Narcos” provided opportunities to embrace and cultivate the look. Finally, Pascal discussed his outspoken stance on progressive politics, stating, “I think staying quiet is the harder path. I would have too hard of a time living with myself. It’s the way I was raised. Decency and compassion. The idea of the vulnerable being scapegoated and terrorized in this way is unspeakably painful.”

Read the full, insightful interview with Pedro Pascal at fantasticman.com.