Pedro Pascal's Breakthrough Role: How a Chance Encounter Changed His Life

In an exclusive interview, Pedro Pascal reveals the pivotal moment that led him to take on the role of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones and ultimately, his breakout performance as Javier Peña in Narcos. The Emmy-nominated actor credits this chance encounter with inspiring him to pursue a career in acting.

The Chance Encounter

It was during a film festival where Pascal met with Michael B. Jordan, an American actor known for his versatility in films like Creed and Black Panther. According to Pascal, the two actors had a brief conversation about their shared passion for acting, but it wasn't until they were walking together that the real discussion began.

"I'm walking down the street with Michael, and we're just talking about our favorite roles and the types of characters we'd like to play," Pascal recalls. "And then he turns to me and says, 'You know, I've always thought you'd be great as a superhero.'"

From Superhero to Narcos

At first, Pascal was taken aback by Jordan's suggestion. He had never considered himself a suitable candidate for a superhero role. However, after further conversation with Jordan, he began to see the potential in playing a character like Javier Peña.

"I realized that the world of superheroes wasn't just about flying and punching things; it was about complex characters and storytelling," Pascal explains. "And I thought, 'Why not me?' Why couldn't someone with my skillset play a character like that?"

Pascal's epiphany led him to audition for the role of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, which ultimately became one of his breakout performances. His portrayal of the charismatic and cunning prince earned him widespread critical acclaim and cemented his status as a rising star in Hollywood.

Narcos: The Role That Changed Everything

Pascal's performance as Javier Peña in Narcos was nothing short of phenomenal. He brought depth and nuance to the character, capturing the complexity and humanity that defined Peña's story.

"Working on Narcos was an incredible experience," Pascal says. "The show is so well-written, and the cast is so talented. I felt like I was part of something special from the beginning."

Pascal's performance earned him multiple award nominations, including four Emmy nods for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Breaking Down Barriers

Throughout his career, Pascal has been vocal about the importance of representation in media. He believes that it's essential to see characters like himself reflected on screen, especially in leading roles.

"The reason I got into acting was because I saw so few people who looked like me growing up," Pascal explains. "I wanted to play a role that would allow me to connect with audiences and tell stories that mattered."

Pascal's dedication to representation extends beyond his own career. He has been an advocate for the #MeToo movement, using his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities.

A New Era of Representation

Pedro Pascal's journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is often the result of hard work and determination. His story also highlights the importance of representation in media, providing role models for underrepresented groups.

As Pascal looks to the future, he remains committed to telling stories that need to be told. He believes that it's essential to continue pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms in Hollywood.

"I think we're at a moment in time where there's so much opportunity for new voices and perspectives," Pascal says. "I'm excited to see what the future holds and how I can contribute to this changing landscape."

With his impressive body of work and unwavering commitment to representation, Pedro Pascal has solidified himself as one of Hollywood's most exciting and talented actors.

Timeline of Major Roles

• Game of Thrones (2014-2015): Played the role of Oberyn Martell
• Narcos (2015-2017): Played the lead role of Javier Peña
• The Mandalorian (2019-present): Played the title character, a bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe
• The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022): Played the lead role of Javi Gutierrez, a fictionalized version of himself

Awards and Nominations

• 4x Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Narcos)
• 1x Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama (Narcos)
• 2x Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series (Narcos)

References

• [Pascal, P. (2020). Pedro Pascal: My Journey to Playing Javier Peña in Narcos](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/03/pedro-pascal-narcos- interview-2019)
• Jordan, M. B. (2018). Michael B. Jordan on Playing a Superhero