Pedro Pascal Surprises at Marvel Movie Premiere, Breaks the Internet
Pedro Pascal, the actor known for his versatility across film and television, dominated social media discussions following a red carpet appearance that sparked widespread attention.
With credits in major franchises like The Mandalorian from Disney and Lucasfilm, and HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, Pascal remains one of Hollywood’s most visible stars. The Chilean-American performer, often praised for his likability and screen presence, will soon join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards, better known as Mister Fantastic, in Matt Shakman’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
His high-profile role in HBO’s The Last of Us recently drew renewed attention following the second episode of the show’s sophomore season. In “Through the Valley,” a dramatic sequence involving his character Joel and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) became a point of discussion across online platforms. But even that intense storyline was eclipsed by his latest public appearance.
Marvel Studios held a European premiere event in London for Thunderbolts* (2025), directed by Jake Schreier. The occasion brought out cast members including Florence Pugh and David Harbour—who portray Yelena Belova and Red Guardian—as well as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, among other members of the cast.
It was during this event that Pedro Pascal made an unexpected appearance on the red carpet, generating significant online discussion. His outfit—a more relaxed ensemble featuring a baseball cap and white T-shirt—was widely circulated, with particular focus on the message displayed on the shirt.
Pascal wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Protect the Dolls,” a reference to a phrase used within the transgender community. The shirt, designed by Connor Ives, originally appeared during London Fashion Week in February 2025. Pascal’s decision to wear it during such a high-profile event coincided with a major legal development in the United Kingdom.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, in a decision which could have far-reaching implications for who can access single-sex services and spaces,” the BBC reported last week. The decision, which received vocal support from “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, has been a flashpoint in ongoing debates around gender identity, both in the U.K. and internationally.
Designer Connor Ives, speaking to The New York Times, elaborated on the shirt’s origins: “It was very reactive. I knew I wanted to say something, given what we’ve observed in the last few months with the U.S. government and the current political regime.”
Pascal, who has worn the shirt in the past, has a personal link to the issue—his sister, Lux Pascal, publicly came out as a transgender woman in February 2021.
Variety (@variety) shared an image from the red carpet, writing: “Pedro Pascal supports trans rights at the #Thunderbolts premiere in London by wearing a “Protect the Dolls” shirt.”
The post quickly gained traction across platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, with fans applauding Pascal’s visible show of support.
Although it has not been confirmed whether Pascal will appear in Thunderbolts*, his Marvel debut is slated for July 25, 2025, when The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters. He stars alongside Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/Thing.
Thunderbolts*, closing out Marvel’s Phase Five, is scheduled for release on May 2, 2025. The film features Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko, Wyatt Russell, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, with Lewis Pullman debuting as “Bob,” also known as Sentry.
Looking ahead, Pascal will reprise his role as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) from the Russo Brothers, releasing in May 2026, the same month he returns as Din Djarin in Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu.
What’s your take on Pedro Pascal’s upcoming roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
