- calendar_today August 9, 2025
Pedro Pascal and the Risk of Speaking Honestly in 2025
The power structures in Hollywood have made it very easy for stars to feel insular, extremely cautious, or to develop very corporate-guided, very closely controlled public images. That’s to be expected. With very few exceptions, the landscape of celebrity media coverage has shifted in recent years. Journalists who once conducted lengthy interviews with A-list actors now make way for influencers posting on TikTok or writing bite-sized media criticism on Substack. The resulting status quo has created a climate in which public figures are rightfully scared to say what’s on their minds, and where their words are prone to being easily taken out of context.
Known for his recent roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal will play Marvel’s Fantastic Four lead, Dr. Reed Richards. But when he’s not donning a spandex suit and making grandiose speeches for moviegoers or popping up at press junkets, he’s continuing to be vocal. In between social media posts promoting his new film, Pascal uses his platform to raise awareness for social justice issues and humanitarian efforts. Among the star’s 11 million Instagram followers, there’s an expectation not just to see Pascal post about The Last of Us season 2 on release day, but to also be able to follow links to organizations like Doctors Without Borders and The Trevor Project, or see the actor wearing a “Protect The Dolls” shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community, or read his stories condemning food blockades in Gaza.
Pascal spoke with Sky News about the issue of speaking up in the current media environment during his press tour for The Fantastic Four in London.
“It’s very easy to get scared, no matter what you sort of talk about,” Pascal said.
But that’s not going to stop him.
“There’s one thing that you can say and no matter what your intention behind it, it is lost in all of these different headlines, I suppose—but I’ll never shut up.”
Why We Can’t Get Enough of Pascal’s Voice
The Fantastic Four: First Steps follows the adventures of Reed Richards, a brilliant scientist and superhero who is carrying the responsibility of the world’s future on his shoulders, while also preparing to become a father with his partner, Sue Storm. The Fantastic Four: First Steps star Pascal has spoken openly about juggling public scrutiny with staying true to his values, and he channels that into his on-screen performance as Richards.
Shot by WandaVision director Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a new, standalone version of Marvel’s super-team, as Pascal is joined by Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn. But while Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards is already earning raves from comic fans, it’s Pascal’s candor when he’s away from set that has us most excited to watch the film.
In an industry and a media world where celebrities often choose to fall silent rather than be vilified or misunderstood, Pascal chooses to keep talking. And for that, we’re grateful.
Among the star’s 11 million Instagram followers, there’s an expectation not just to see Pascal post about The Last of Us season 2 on release day, but to also be able to follow links to organizations like Doctors Without Borders and The Trevor Project, or see the actor wearing a “Protect The Dolls” shirt in support of the LGBTQ+ community, or read his stories condemning food blockades in Gaza.
