Pedro Pascal Encourages Advocacy in the Face of Fear

The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal recently made a powerful call to action at the Cannes Film Festival, urging people across the United States to resist fear and fight for their rights. Speaking at a press conference for the film Eddington, Pascal addressed the growing political challenges and the importance of storytelling as a form of resistance.

During the discussion, Pascal expressed his strong disapproval of those who use fear to control others, saying, "F**k the people that make you scared and fight back." He stressed the importance of using stories to challenge fear and oppression, emphasizing, "This is a perfect way to do so in telling stories, and don’t let them win."

The Context of Eddington

Eddington, the latest project featuring Pascal, explores the political and social upheaval in a fictional city in New Mexico during the Covid pandemic. The film’s themes resonate deeply with current events, especially in light of ongoing political struggles in the United States. Pascal’s remarks at Cannes were in response to concerns about returning to the U.S. after working on such a politically charged film.

Commenting further, Pascal noted, "Fear is the way that they win," highlighting the detrimental impact of fear-driven politics on society. His statements come at a time when many are calling for resilience and activism in the face of political adversities.

The backdrop of Pascal's comments is the controversial second term of Donald Trump, which has been marked by numerous attempts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, particularly those affecting the trans community. Trump's administration has faced significant backlash and legal challenges, resulting in some notable failures, including blocks on bans that would restrict gender-affirming care for trans youth and prevent trans individuals from serving in the military.

Pedro Pascal’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights

Pascal’s activism is not new; he has consistently used his platform to support equal rights. In April, he criticized author JK Rowling’s comments regarding the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the term "women" could refer only to "biological women" for legal purposes, thereby excluding transgender women. Pascal called this ruling "awful, disgusting s**t," denouncing it as "heinous loser behavior."

Pascal’s advocacy is deeply personal. He is closely connected to the LGBTQ+ community through his sister, actress Lux Pascal, a trans woman, and his The Last of Us co-star Bella Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary. Pascal has often shared moments of solidarity and joy with his friends and family, which include LGBTQ+ individuals, on social media.

A Visible Ally

Recently, at the UK premiere of Thunderbolts*, Pascal made a statement of support by wearing a "Protect The Dolls" t-shirt designed by Conner Ives. The term "dolls" is a term of endearment often used within the trans community, and by wearing it, Pascal visibly affirmed his support for transgender rights. This wasn’t the first time he donned this apparel; he previously wore the t-shirt at his 50th birthday party, underscoring his ongoing commitment to advocacy.

Pascal shared behind-the-scenes images with Bella Ramsey after the penultimate episode of The Last of Us, showcasing their camaraderie and support for each other. He maintains strong friendships within the LGBTQ+ community, including with gay actor Russell Tovey, further demonstrating his role as an ally.

Pascal’s voice is a beacon for those who feel marginalized or threatened. By encouraging people to "fight back," he reminds us of the power of unity and resistance in storytelling. His public stance amplifies the call for action against fear-driven policies and underscores the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

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