FATHER FIGURE

With the return of The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal reflects on his patriarchal roles, the close bond with his co-stars and why he owes everything to his mother

- ADAM STONE/FEATS PRESS

Pedro Pascal has always been adamant that having children isn’t part of his life plan. “I’m not a daddy - and I’m not going to be a daddy!” he has said.

Yet the actor's roles as Joel in post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us and Din Djarin (or “Mando”) in The Mandalorian have proven that he isn’t afraid to portray a father figure onscreen.

“I really didn’t [anticipate it]. As different - and, in some way, similar - as Mando and Joel are, only now do I see the comparison,” says Pedro, who celebrated his 50th birthday on April 2.

“I don’t have kids of my own, so maybe this is me working something out.”

The Chilean-born American star is a persistent actor. After honing his craft in smaller TV roles, Pedro celebrated his breakout moment at age 39 as Oberyn Martell in season 4 of Game of Thrones.