Pedro Pascal’s new Western is causing plenty of discord among critics, but it may be exactly what his career needs. Pascal is having a mᴀssive year in 2025, and it’s only going to get bigger. He returned as Joel in The Last of Us season 2, stars in Celine Song’s The Materialists, and will soon make his MCU debut as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The Chilean-American actor has no plans of slowing down next year either, as he will play Mr. Fantastic in Avengers: Doomsday and will return to Star Wars in The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Since his star-making turn in Game of Thrones in 2014, Pascal’s profile has soared, making him one of the most sought-after names in Hollywood. He’s starred in blockbuster franchises like DC and Kingsman, and has recurring roles in Marvel and Star Wars. Pascal is becoming more known for his high-profile roles, but he has shined in smaller projects that demand more challenging performances. His upcoming film, Eddington, could be a reminder of how great he can be when allowed to take more risks.

Why Pedro Pascal’s New Movie, Eddington, Is Dividing Critics

Critics Are Calling It Uneven & Overwhelming

Ari Aster was established as one of Hollywood’s most exciting directors with 2018’s Hereditary. It’s a modern horror classic, and its follow-up, Midsommar, is equally disturbing. However, Aster’s 2023 movie, Beau Is Afraid, wasn’t as unanimously praised. It’s a bold picture that took many risks, but ultimately the three-hour dark comedy didn’t work for everyone. The same appears to be true for his latest movie, Eddington. The film centers around the political and social effects of a standoff between a sheriff and the mayor in a fictional New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eddington is another dark comedy by the director, and he’s making it clear that his satire has a point. However, his unique storytelling isn’t garnering the same results. Aster’s latest project currently holds a 67% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics have plenty to say about it. Many find Eddington thought-provoking with its biting commentary on how COVID-19 affected Americans and their politics, but critics also see Aster’s direction as inconsistent.

Several critics believe Eddington is trying to cover too much, and it doesn’t come together to tell a cohesive story. Some also believe that the commentary isn’t anything new, leaving the movie feeling empty and pointless. However, critics who like the film admire the director’s ambitious vision. It may be messy, but it’s hard to stop watching, and it’s worth seeing an original film that isn’t afraid to take chances. Pascal has a prominent role, but almost all the reviews focus on Aster’s ideas and storytelling, rather than the performances.

It May Be Divisive, But Movies Like This Are Good For Pedro Pascal

Pascal Needs More Challenging Films Outside His Franchise Roles

Pascal has been acting in television and film for a long time but became a star thanks to his role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones season 4. His recent roles in Star Wars, The Last of Us, and Gladiator II have sent his career into the stratosphere, but they also demonstrate his true talent as an actor. He can play a goofy, eccentric businessman like Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman 1984 while also bringing stoicism and vulnerability to Joel in The Last of Us. However, roles like Eddington allow Pascal to give more demanding performances.

Aster’s movie may not win over audiences like Pascal’s franchises, but the actor’s career needs more projects where he can demonstrate his versatility as an actor. Many of his smaller тιтles, like Freaky Tales or The Unbearable Weight of Mᴀssive Talent, are showcases of how he can thrive in any genre or tone. Even his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live showed how captivating Pascal is in flexible roles where he can take risks. Eddington may not boost his profile, but he’ll benefit from having more provocative projects in his catalog.