One of the biggest names in Hollywood right now is the actor Pedro Pascal, who we saw in Game of Thrones, who now plays the Star Wars bounty hunter The Mandalorian, and is heading into what many are calling the greatest video game adaptation ever, in the series The Last of Us, which is heading to HBO.
As for how the actor decided to take on the latest role amid his ongoing Disney+ series, he told THR that when co-creator Craig Mazin sent him the Last of Us script, he wanted the part so badly it literally scared him that it might not work out. Playing a warrior protecting a special young ward on a journey across a dangerous fantasy landscape on a prestige TV show sounded terrific. The only potential hiccup was that he was kind of already doing that.
Pascal was conscious of the comparison as well, but it didn’t deter his interest. He explained:
“It definitely came to mind. As I [got familiar with the game], I noticed there are so many things I’ve seen that visually or thematically reference The Last of Us. Like [the 2017 X-Men movie] Logan. And yes, the trope has been used in so many different ways — you can go back to [the manga series] Lone Wolf and Cub, you can go to Paper Moon. But as far as Mandalorian and The Last of Us existing in close proximity, for me, it’s the best double-dipping I could possibly imagine.”
Still, the actor had to get permission from the Mandalorian producers, who “very generously” allowed him to work on a rival company’s project. The situation was likely aided by the fact that his Star Wars character is physically played by more than one actor, allowing Pascal to simply dub dialogue in postproduction. He explained:
“[Producers] Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni are creatively not limiting themselves to the way things are normally done. We’ve improvised making myself available for whatever they need. I hesitate revealing anything because I don’t want any plot surprises to be spoiled.”
It’s a tricky dance that stars of shows this secretive and high-profile have to do while trying to promote, yet not give away any spoilers about the series. I think it’s awesome that Pascal didn’t have to lose out on this role he was so excited about. It looks like he’s going to do an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see both series when they drop.
The Last of Us Season 1 episode 1 hits HBO and HBO Max on January 15th. The Mandalorian Season 3 episode 1 hits Disney+ on March 1st. Are you pumped up about these series?
Post a Comment