Is Pedro Pascal’s Star Power Fading? 😱 Eddington just tanked with a shocking $625K opening—his latest movie bombed HARD, and Fantastic Four is just DAYS away! Are fans over the “Internet’s Daddy”? Or is this a fluke? 🤔 Click to find out what’s really going on with Hollywood’s busiest man! 👉
Pedro Pascal Fatigue? Analyzing Eddington’s Box Office Flop and Its Implications for Fantastic Four
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, few actors have risen as meteorically as Pedro Pascal. From his breakout role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones to becoming the “Internet’s Daddy” through The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal has cemented himself as a versatile and charismatic leading man. However, the recent box office failure of Eddington, a dark comedy directed by Ari Aster, which grossed a mere $625,000 in Thursday previews on July 17, 2025, has sparked heated discussions about “Pedro Pascal fatigue.” With Fantastic Four: First Steps—his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic—set to release just a week later on July 25, 2025, the timing of this flop raises questions about his star power, audience reception, and the broader state of the film industry. This article delves into Eddington’s underperformance, explores the notion of “Pascal fatigue,” and assesses its potential impact on Fantastic Four.
Eddington: A Bold Misstep or a Misunderstood Gem?
Eddington, a Western comedy-horror directed by Ari Aster, boasts a star-studded cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pascal as Ted Garcia, a small-town mayor navigating a politically charged conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic. Set in a fictional New Mexico town, the film explores societal rifts, social media frenzy, and the fallout of lockdown-era tensions. Despite its ambitious premise and A-list ensemble, Eddington has struggled to resonate, earning just $5 million in its opening weekend against a reported budget of $35–50 million. Critics have offered mixed reviews, with a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praising Aster’s fearless direction but criticizing its tonal inconsistency and lack of narrative cohesion. Audience reactions are similarly divided, with a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting polarized sentiments. Some viewers lauded its biting satire and Pascal’s fitting portrayal of a liberal mayor, while others found it dragged or lacked focus.
The film’s box office disappointment can be attributed to several factors. First, its setting—early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic—may not appeal to audiences seeking escapism, as the topic remains a sensitive and divisive memory. Second, Aster’s shift from horror (Hereditary, Midsommar) to dark comedy, as seen in his previous film Beau Is Afraid, may have alienated fans expecting a more conventional genre experience. Finally, Eddington’s niche appeal as an indie satire contrasts with the broader, franchise-driven projects that typically dominate the box office. For Pascal, who plays a supporting role, the film’s failure has fueled speculation about his ability to draw audiences outside of established IPs like Star Wars or The Last of Us.
The “Pedro Pascal Fatigue” Narrative
The term “Pedro Pascal fatigue” has gained traction, particularly on platforms like X, where users debate his omnipresence in Hollywood. In 2025 alone, Pascal has appeared in Gladiator II, The Last of Us Season 2, The Materialists, and now Eddington, with Fantastic Four and The Mandalorian & Grogu on the horizon. Some argue that his rapid output—four major projects in a few months—has oversaturated the market, leading audiences to tire of his presence. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user calling him “boring” yet “unescapably likable,” suggesting his charisma may not translate to every role. Others, however, defend his versatility, noting that actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Harrison Ford have thrived during similar periods of high visibility.
Pascal’s track record supports both sides. His success in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us showcases his ability to anchor emotionally resonant, high-profile projects. However, his non-franchise films, such as Wonder Woman 1984 and The Great Wall, have often underperformed or been critically panned, suggesting his star power may rely on the strength of the IP. Eddington’s failure aligns with this pattern, as its indie sensibilities and polarizing narrative didn’t capitalize on Pascal’s mainstream appeal. Yet, his supporters argue that his role in Eddington was minor, and blaming him for its flop oversimplifies the issue. As one X user noted, “The entire cast did an amazing job,” indicating that the film’s issues lie more with its execution than its performances.
Fantastic Four: First Steps—A Make-or-Break Moment?
The timing of Eddington’s flop is particularly inopportune, coming just a week before Fantastic Four: First Steps, where Pascal plays Reed Richards, the stretchy, brilliant leader of Marvel’s First Family. Directed by Matt Shakman and set in a retro-futuristic 1960s Manhattan, the film aims to redeem the Fantastic Four franchise after two lackluster attempts by 20th Century Fox (2005–2007 and 2015). Early reactions are promising, with critics praising its “stunning visuals,” “witty banter,” and Pascal’s “perfect” portrayal of Reed. However, fan backlash over his casting—citing his age (50) or perceived lack of “heroic qualities”—and broader superhero fatigue pose challenges. The MCU’s recent struggles, with Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts underperforming, heighten the stakes.
Unlike Eddington, Fantastic Four benefits from Marvel’s built-in audience and a star-studded cast, including Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. The film’s focus on family dynamics and its standalone nature, requiring no prior MCU knowledge, aim to counter genre fatigue. Yet, competition from Superman and Jurassic World Rebirth could divert audiences, and Pascal’s recent political comments—such as his call to boycott the Harry Potter franchise over J.K. Rowling’s views—have sparked controversy, potentially alienating some fans.
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Star Power Dilemma
Eddington’s failure and the “Pascal fatigue” narrative reflect broader trends in Hollywood. The industry’s reliance on A-list stars to guarantee box office success is waning, as audiences increasingly prioritize story and novelty over familiar faces. The MCU’s recent struggles highlight this shift, with bloated budgets and risk-averse filmmaking leading to mixed results. The Marvels ($274 million budget, poor performance) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($200 million budget) exemplify how even star-driven blockbusters can falter if the narrative doesn’t resonate.
For Pascal, Fantastic Four offers a chance to prove his bankability as a leading man in a major franchise. His off-screen charm, described as “immediately generous and inviting” by co-star Robert Downey Jr., and his ability to project “warmth and gravitas” (as seen in The Mandalorian) could anchor the film’s emotional core. However, the MCU’s high expectations and Pascal’s packed schedule—Avengers: Doomsday and The Mandalorian & Grogu loom in 2026—mean that any misstep could amplify fatigue concerns.
Conclusion: Can Pascal Defy the Fatigue?
While Eddington’s box office bomb has fueled speculation about Pedro Pascal’s overexposure, it’s premature to declare his star power diminished. His role in the film was secondary, and its niche appeal and divisive reception suggest that its failure is more about Aster’s vision than Pascal’s draw. Fantastic Four: First Steps represents a critical test, but its strong early buzz, ensemble cast, and Marvel’s brand loyalty position it for success. Pascal’s ability to embody Reed Richards’ intellect and “reluctant-dad energy” could silence critics, provided the film delivers on its promise of a fresh, character-driven superhero story.
As Hollywood grapples with changing audience tastes and the challenges of franchise fatigue, Pascal’s trajectory serves as a case study. His rapid rise from character actor to leading man is a testament to his talent and charisma, but it also underscores the risks of ubiquity. Whether Fantastic Four soars or stumbles, Pascal’s love for acting—“you can’t really choose love,” he told ABC—ensures he’ll remain a fixture on our screens. For now, fans and skeptics alike will watch closely to see if he can stretch his star power to new heights or if the fatigue narrative will gain traction.
