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Pedro Pascal is receiving widespread admiration from his fellow cast members as he continues filming Marvel’s highly anticipated blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday. The praise is especially strong from Hollywood icon Robert Downey Jr., who shared heartfelt insights in a recent Vanity Fair cover story. Downey, known globally for his portrayal of Iron Man, is stepping into a completely new role as the formidable Marvel villain Doctor Doom in this upcoming installment of the franchise, set for a December 2026 release. Meanwhile, Pascal is reprising his role as Reed Richards, which he will introduce in Fantastic Four: First Steps, premiering in July. The two are currently filming together at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., and their dynamic has become one of deep respect and camaraderie.
Downey spoke candidly about his working relationship with Pascal, highlighting how the actor’s steady rise to stardom has restored his own confidence in the entertainment industry. “Pascal’s slow trajectory to becoming a household name who is on a wildly hot streak kind of reaffirms my faith in our industry,” Downey remarked. Beyond their professional collaboration, the actors have also bonded personally, with Downey hosting informal “homework days” at his home. These intimate gatherings provide space for the cast to rehearse, refine scenes, and deepen their on-screen chemistry. When asked what typically takes place during these sessions, Pascal offered a coy response: “Very good question,” keeping the details delightfully vague and adding to the intrigue surrounding their creative process.
Pascal also took a moment to address the criticism he encountered after being cast as Reed Richards. He faced backlash from some fans who believed he didn’t physically match the traditional image of the character—citing concerns that he was “too old” or that “he needs to shave.” The actor admitted that the experience was difficult, but credited Downey with helping him navigate through the negativity. Pascal’s vulnerability and emotional openness have left a lasting impression on his co-stars, particularly Vanessa Kirby, who also appears in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Kirby praised Pascal for his authenticity, noting that he doesn’t hide behind emotional walls and instead presents his true self right away—something that fosters trust and connection with others. Pascal, in turn, described Downey as remarkably warm and generous, someone who creates a safe space for others to feel comfortable, vulnerable, and even emotionally exposed on set.
Another notable voice weighing in on Pascal’s character is Bella Ramsey, who co-starred with him in HBO’s The Last of Us. Ramsey shared her unease regarding the widespread internet joke referring to Pascal as the “internet’s daddy”—a meme that’s followed him in recent years. “I felt worried for him,” she admitted. “I want to protect him from that whole joke of becoming the internet’s daddy. I was like, ‘I don’t want everyone to refer to you as that and see you as that. You’re so much more.’” While the label may be meant affectionately, Ramsey emphasized that it risks overshadowing the depth and complexity of who Pascal really is. For his part, Pascal had previously responded to the trend in a lighthearted 2022 Vanity Fair video, saying, “Daddy is a state of mind. I’m your daddy”—a cheeky comment that only deepened the internet’s fascination with him.
Together, these reflections paint a picture of an actor who is not only deeply respected for his talent but also cherished for his warmth, honesty, and humility—traits that continue to endear Pedro Pascal to fans and colleagues alike.