Pedro Pascal eager to visit Türkiye as ‘The Last of Us’ returns for Season 2

Hollywood star Pedro Pascal, best known for his standout roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” sat down with Barbaros Tapan from Turkish media in Los Angeles to discuss the emotional weight of the series, the challenges of fame, and his deep desire to explore Türkiye.

‘I’ve never been to Türkiye, but I’m dying to visit’

Pedro Pascal’s meteoric rise through gripping performances in “Game of Thrones,” “Narcos,” and “The Mandalorian” has made him a household name. His latest role in the critically acclaimed series The Last of Us, based on the popular video game, has brought him even more global recognition.

Speaking to Hurriyet, Pascal shared his curiosity about Türkiye: “No, I’ve never visited, but I’m dying to go,” he said with excitement.

Why ‘The Last of Us’ is different

The show’s trailer alone reached a staggering 158 million views in just three days, proving its global pull. But what makes it so special?

“Our writer Neil Druckmann and director Craig Mazin delivered a phenomenal adaptation,” Pascal explained.

“They created a deeply immersive and groundbreaking storytelling experience. It’s easy to mess up something like this, but they made it something truly special.”

Personal connection to themes of loss and survival

Pascal reflected on the emotional depth of the series: “To live means eventually to lose something. Loss is a feeling that unites us all. The show provides a safe space to explore those emotions, even if the pain in real life doesn’t feel safe at all.”

Returning for Season 2 felt like coming home

“It was special to return,” Pascal said about starting the second season.

“Coming back with an expanded identity, surrounded by both familiar and new faces—it felt like coming home.”

Set five years after Season 1, the upcoming episodes bring new layers of complexity.
“On the first day of filming, Bella (Ramsey) and I were doing a very emotional scene. We were laughing and joking between takes, and that comfort reminded me we were back. But emotionally, it’s more difficult than anything I’ve done before.”

Navigating fame, public attention

After The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, Pascal became one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. When asked how fame has affected his life, he admitted:
“I’m not sure… It has definitely created a new chapter in my life. Fame becomes a kind of connection that helps you rise above everything else. But honestly, it’s a question I don’t really know how to answer.”

He added with a laugh, “I don’t know…”

Series as mirror of today’s world

Though the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting, Pascal sees striking parallels with modern-day life:

“There’s something comforting about how the story is told. The way people connect in crisis, even under extreme circumstances… It’s a clever social and political allegory. Everything in the show is rooted in the world we live in today.”

Bella Ramsey: ‘Emotional and complex human story’

Co-star Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, echoed Pascal’s thoughts.
“It’s such an emotional and complex human story. That’s what makes it so special.”

On returning for Season 2, Ramsey admitted:

“It’s a little scary. The first season became a huge phenomenon. Everyone’s waiting for the next chapter, and I know all eyes are on us. That’s intimidating—but it’s also exciting.”

“We trusted our directors and writers completely, and all our hard work shows. I hope the audience connects with this season just as much.”