10 Best Pedro Pascal Roles of All Time: From Narcos to The Mandalorian

Jen

With his outstanding performances in a range of movies and TV shows, Pedro Pascal has established himself as a well-known figure in Hollywood. His impressive acting skills have been showcased in his portrayals of diverse characters, from the daring Oberyn Martell in “Game of Thrones” to the popular Din Djarin in “The Mandalorian.” In the following article, we will delve into the top ten films featuring the talented Pedro Pascal.

Ever since gaining widespread recognition, Pedro Pascal has been involved in a string of highly lauded movies and television series. Through his alluring charisma and remarkable acting abilities, he has succeeded in enrapturing audiences globally. Among his most recent cinematic ventures are “Wonder Woman 1984″ and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” In the former, Pascal brought the character of Maxwell Lord to life, portraying a charismatic tycoon fixated on power and affluence. In “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” he played a fictionalized version of himself alongside Nicolas Cage.

Narrowing down Pedro Pascal’s top ten movies of all time proved to be no small feat, given the breadth of his impressive body of work. Nonetheless, we have curated a list highlighting some of his unforgettable performances. Ranging from pulse-pounding action flicks to poignant dramas, Pascal has unequivocally cemented his position as a powerhouse in the entertainment realm.

#10: Game of Thrones

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Pedro Pascal left a lasting impression on television audiences with his compelling portrayal of the captivating and lethal Oberyn Martell during the fourth installment of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” His character swiftly garnered a devoted following for his sharp humor, astuteness, and formidable combat abilities.

The critical reception of Pascal’s acting was overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by glowing reviews from various notable outlets that hailed him as “a standout” and characterized him as “magnetic.” Fans also loved the character, with many expressing their shock and disappointment at his untimely demise in the season’s infamous ninth episode.

Despite appearing only in seven episodes, Pascal’s portrayal of Oberyn Martell made an indelible mark on both viewers and reviewers. His acting prowess firmly established him as a highly promising up-and-coming talent within Hollywood.

#9: Narcos

pedro pascal 9 - Narcos

Pedro Pascal’s depiction of DEA agent Javier Peña in the popular Netflix series “Narcos” stands as one of his most memorable and noteworthy performances. The show portrays the turbulent ascent and downfall of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, and Peña serves as a multifaceted and complex character who is resolute in his pursuit of justice while simultaneously grappling with the morality of the tactics employed in achieving that end. Pascal’s acting is full and enthralling, and he infuses the role with a degree of realism that heightens its impact and adds to its overall appeal.

The show itself has received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and the people involved in it. “Narcos” has earned accolades for its meticulous focus on detail and adherence to historical authenticity. 

In particular, Pascal’s portrayal of his character has garnered praise from critics who have commended his ability to seamlessly convey strength and vulnerability. Notably, viewers of the show have also expressed their admiration for Pascal’s exceptional work, with many even citing it as one of its standout features. So, whether you’re a devotee of crime dramas or merely seeking an excellently crafted and acted series to indulge in, “Narcos” should undoubtedly be on your radar. And for those who admire Pedro Pascal’s acting prowess, his performance in this show is an absolute must-see.

#8: The Great Wall

pedro pascal 8 - The Great Wall

Did you know that in the 2016 exquisite work of historical fiction cinema, “The Great Wall,” the character of Pero Tovar was brilliantly portrayed by none other than Pedro Pascal? The movie tells the story of European mercenaries who travel to China to find black powder but end up defending the Great Wall against a horde of monstrous creatures.

It’s fascinating to note that, despite receiving a blend of appraisals and criticisms from critics, “The Great Wall” proved to be a commercial triumph, accumulating a staggering $334 million across the globe. With its captivating visuals and grandiose battle sequences, complemented by the impressive acting skills of Pedro Pascal, the movie became a mandatory viewing experience for enthusiasts of action and adventure flicks.

It’s worth noting that while a few critics deemed the plot predictable and the characters lacking in depth, others lauded the visual effects and action sequences featured in the movie. As per Rotten Tomatoes, “The Great Wall” secured a 35% rating of approval from critics, with an audience score of 43%.

Notwithstanding the varying critiques, Pedro Pascal’s depiction of Pero Tovar in “The Great Wall” garnered widespread respect and acclaim. Several critics praised his performance, citing him as the highlight of the movie. 

In sum, “The Great Wall” boasts captivating visuals and grandiose battle sequences, coupled with an exceptional acting display by Pedro Pascal. While it may not be a critical darling, it is definitely worth watching for fans of the action and adventure genre.

#7: Kingsman: The Golden Circle

pedro pascal 7 - Kingsman The Golden Circle

Did you know that “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” a spy-themed action comedy film released in 2017, was directed by Matthew Vaughn and co-written by Jane Goldman? This sequel to the 2014 hit “Kingsman: The Secret Service” stars Pedro Pascal as Whiskey, a Statesman agent who is part of the American team that mirrors the Kingsman organization.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. According to Rotten Tomatoes, a prominent movie review website, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” has secured an approval rating of 50%, based on 309 reviews, with an average score of 5.70/10. According to multiple critics’ assessments online, the film delivers a comparable degree of entertainment as its antecedent. Nonetheless, it falls short in terms of the unbridled creative inventiveness that distinguished the earlier work. How about you? What’s your take on this assessment?

Meanwhile, on Metacritic, the movie has garnered a weighted average score of 44 out of 100, based on 44 critics, indicating “mixed or average reviews.” Despite the mixed reviews, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” was a commercial success, grossing over $410 million worldwide against a budget of $104 million.

Critics praised Pascal’s portrayal of Whiskey. According to Chris Nashawaty’s review in Entertainment Weekly, Tatum and Pascal stand out in their roles, with Pascal delivering a poignant and nostalgic performance as a Statesman sporting cowboy boots. According to Brian Truitt’s review in USA Today, Pedro Pascal receives praise for his portrayal of Whiskey, a sophisticated and deadly agent with impressive lasso skills in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” The movie provides a gratifying mixture of action and humor within the spy action comedy genre, even though it may not surpass the creativity and originality of its predecessor.

Nevertheless, enthusiasts of the genre will appreciate the film, with Pascal’s performance as Whiskey being a particular standout. However, it is worth noting that the movie’s ratings on Rotten Tomatoes are not as high as other films on the list. Currently, with over 352 ratings and 319 reviews, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” has a 4.3-star rating and a 50% approval rating. One review says, “My main issue has to do with the removal or under-utilization of so many of the characters we grew to love in the first film. It made everything less fun when having fun seemed to be the point of the series.”

#6: Prospect

pedro pascal 6 - Prospect

In the science fiction movie “Prospect” released in 2018, Pedro Pascal takes on the protagonist role of a father who, accompanied by his daughter, played by Sophie Thatcher, sets out on a quest to explore an unknown moon with the aim of finding valuable gemstones. Directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, the film garnered critical acclaim from both reviewers and movie enthusiasts, with a commendable 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie’s noteworthy aspect lies in its masterful world-building and meticulous attention to detail that lent a realistic and immersive vibe to its sci-fi universe. Pascal’s portrayal of the rugged and seasoned space adventurer Cee was widely lauded by critics. While the film’s unhurried pace received mixed reviews, some viewers found it captivating, while others found it sluggish.

In sum, “Prospect” is a worthwhile addition to Pedro Pascal’s oeuvre and a must-watch for fans of the sci-fi genre. Its distinct setting and stellar performances make it a standout film that should not be missed.

#5: Triple Frontier

pedro pascal 5 - Triple Frontier

In the heist thriller “Triple Frontier,” Pedro Pascal shares the screen with Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund. Directed by J.C. Chandor, the film centers on a team of ex-Special Operations soldiers who band together to devise a daring heist in a scarcely populated multi-border region of South America. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Opinions on “Triple Frontier” are divided, with some reviewers commending the film’s thrilling action scenes and impressive acting, while others lament the sluggish tempo and lack of character depth. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 72% approval rating from critics and a 49% audience score.

Despite the mixed feedback, Pascal’s depiction of Francisco “Catfish” Morales was lauded by some reviewers. Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter commented, “Pascal’s portrayal of the group’s pilot and ethical guide is exceptional, as he imbues his character, who has witnessed too much warfare, with a nuanced sensitivity.”

To summarize, “Triple Frontier” is a decent action flick that features a gifted cast, but the character development and pacing leave something to be desired. Nevertheless, Pascal’s performance as Catfish is a bright spot in the movie.

#4: Wonder Woman 1984

pedro pascal 4 - Wonder Woman 1984

Pedro Pascal stars as Maxwell Lord in this 2020 superhero film directed by Patty Jenkins. The film, set in the year 1984, tells the story of Diana Prince (played by Gal Gadot) and her encounters with the Lord, a driven businessman determined to obtain a potent ancient artifact that can grant wishes.

The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. It seems that a range of views is circulating about the film, with some individuals commending the cast’s performances while others expressing reservations about the storyline and tempo. As per Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered a 59% endorsement score from reviewers and a 73% endorsement score from moviegoers.

Pascal’s on-screen performance has garnered significant praise from critics, who have employed terms like “charismatic” and “engaging” to applaud his acting prowess. However, a few viewers have expressed concern over the portrayal of the Lord, deeming it lacking in depth and nuance. On the other hand, moviegoers seem to have differing views on the film as well, with some commending the action sequences and the chemistry between the cast, while others have found the plot to be intricate and perplexing.

While opinions were divided, Wonder Woman 1984 managed to achieve impressive financial results, accumulating a worldwide box office revenue exceeding \$166 million. The film also received a nomination for Best Costume Design at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Overall, while Wonder Woman 1984 may not have been a critical darling, it still managed to captivate audiences and showcase Pascal’s acting abilities.

#3: The Equalizer 2

pedro pascal 3 - The Equalizer 2

Pedro Pascal stars alongside Denzel Washington in the 2018 action-thriller, “The Equalizer 2.” Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film follows Robert McCall (Washington), a former Marine who serves justice for the oppressed and exploited. When someone he loves becomes a victim of a brutal murder, McCall goes on a mission to seek revenge. Pascal plays Dave York, a former colleague of McCall who now works as a private contractor.

“The Equalizer 2” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 51% approval rating from critics, with the consensus statement that “The Equalizer 2 delivers the visceral charge of a standard vigilante thriller, but this reunion of trusted talents ultimately proves a disappointing case study in diminishing returns.” However, audiences gave the film a higher rating of 67% on the same platform.

Despite the mixed reviews, Pascal’s performance as Dave York was praised by some critics. Writing for The New York Times, Manohla Dargis noted that “Pedro Pascal is a standout as Dave York, a former colleague of McCall’s who now works as a private contractor. With his sharp features and cool, confident demeanor, Mr. Pascal is a natural screen presence, and he makes the most of his scenes, which aren’t plentiful enough.” Similarly, David Sims of The Atlantic praised Pascal’s performance, stating that “Pascal is a standout in the film, bringing a sardonic wit and some charisma to the role of York.”

#2: If Beale Street Could Talk

pedro pascal 2 - If Beale Street Could Talk

If Beale Street Could Talk” is a 2018 romantic drama film directed by Barry Jenkins, based on the novel of the same name by James Baldwin. The film stars KiKi Layne and Stephan James as Tish Rivers and Fonny Hunt, respectively, who are a young Black couple in 1970s New York. Through its portrayal of Fonny and his partner’s love story, the film delves into the obstacles they encounter after Fonny is wrongly accused of a crime and incarcerated.

The film has been highly praised for its exceptional performances, direction, screenplay, and music score, as evidenced by its impressive rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 358 reviews, with an average score of 8.8/10. The critical consensus on the website reads, “If Beale Street Could Talk honors its source material with a beautifully filmed adaptation that finds director Barry Jenkins further strengthening his visual and narrative craft.

The movie received accolades from viewers who valued its ability to evoke emotions, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals. The poignant tale of love between Tish and Fonny, along with its exploration of topics related to discriminatory practices and institutionalized suppression, struck a chord with numerous individuals at a deep level.

The movie has earned an impressive score of 87 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on reviews from 56 critics, indicating that it has been widely acclaimed. Critics have lauded the film’s direction, cinematography, and performances and have also highlighted its timely exploration of racial injustice and police brutality. One critic has even called it “a compelling love letter from the homeland of Jazz,” with remarkable performances and an endearing OST, and praised the unanswered finale as a good detail in some way. It’s a must-see for anyone looking for a powerful and moving depiction of love, family, and social injustice. Pedro Pascal fans and enthusiasts of finely crafted narratives and stunning visuals will find it particularly compelling.

#1: The Mandalorian

pedro pascal 1 - The Mandalorian

Pedro Pascal takes on the titular role of a bounty hunter traveling through the vast expanse of the Star Wars universe in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian.” The main storyline of the television series centers around the protagonist’s pursuit to apprehend a mysterious “Child,” who is later revealed to belong to the same species as the legendary Jedi master, Yoda. The show has garnered widespread acclaim for its enthralling narrative, impressive visual effects, and thrilling action scenes.

Critics and viewers alike have lauded “The Mandalorian,” earning it a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 4843 reviews, with an average score of 8.7 out of 10. Reviewers have commended the show’s skillful storytelling and exhilarating action, although some have pointed out that it can occasionally be overly constrained. Despite some criticisms, “The Mandalorian” is widely regarded as a worthwhile and valuable contribution to the Star Wars franchise. This is primarily due to the endearing presence of its charming cargo, which has won over audiences and critics alike.

In fact, one review noted that the show had shown clear improvement over time, particularly in season 2, which has produced several high-quality episodes earning a 4-star rating. While there may have been some missteps, notably the divisive spider episode, the overall consensus remains positive. Another reviewer expressed her appreciation for the show, stating, “This is the way… to bring Star Wars back to life. I can’t understand why some people dislike it; this is brilliant and has the potential to become an exceptional series. I particularly enjoy Baby Yoda’s mischievous yet adorable character.” 

The movie has garnered broad critical acclaim for its remarkable success in evoking the very spirit of the original Star Wars trilogy, all while introducing new and engaging characters and storylines. Moreover, the show’s masterful use of practical effects and puppetry to animate the delightful “Child” (fondly referred to as Baby Yoda) has impressed audiences greatly. With the renewal of the series for a third season, fans eagerly anticipate what exciting developments and challenges lie ahead for the Mandalorian and his pint-sized companion.

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