A newly released campaign ad featuring Pedro Pascal as Ted Garcia, the Mayor of Eddington, promotes his bid for re-election ahead of the film’s US release. The fictional video, linked to the upcoming movie Eddington, highlights Garcia’s personal struggles and community efforts, set against the backdrop of the town’s challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The film itself, written, directed, and co-produced by Ari Aster, premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025.
An Overview of Garcia’s Achievements and Future Plans in the Campaign Spot
In the ad, Garcia reflects on his first term as mayor, emphasizing his support for the governor’s initiatives. He states he helped
in her mission to start building a 100% clean energy economy
while fostering the creation of reliable and secure employment opportunities. The clip also reveals Garcia’s intent to continue addressing the effects of the pandemic and long-standing social issues if re-elected.
And as we walk toward the next term, I’m ready to continue leading our town and fighting the pandemic and the racial and economic inequities that COVID-19 only made worse,
Garcia declares, underlining his focus on healing and progress within the community.
Film Context and Notable Cast Members Behind Eddington
Set largely in the eponymous town of Eddington, New Mexico, the film explores tensions during the early months of the COVID-19 crisis. The story centers around a tense confrontation between Joe Cross, a small-town sheriff played by Joaquin Phoenix, and Mayor Ted Garcia. The conflict creates divisions among neighbors, intensifying the film’s dramatic stakes.
The ensemble also features Emma Stone as Louise Cross, Luke Grimes portraying Guy, Austin Butler as Vernon Jefferson Peak, and Deirdre O’Connell as Dawn. Eddington is described in the official logline as:
In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) and mayor (Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.
Ari Aster’s Vision and the Film’s Upcoming Release
Ari Aster, known for his work on Hereditary and Midsommar, crafted Eddington as a contemporary Western. Originally intended to mark his debut as a director, the film became his second collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix following 2023’s Beau Is Afraid. Eddington is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on July 18, 2025, offering audiences a blend of suspense, social commentary, and character-driven drama.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Pedro Pascal quit The Last of Us?
A. In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal talked about his character’s ending on the show. He said they always aimed to closely follow the original story. He mentioned that sticking to the source material was their main focus for the first season.
Q. Can Pedro Pascal actually speak Spanish?
A. Pascal speaks English and Spanish very well. He became good friends with actress Sarah Paulson shortly after relocating to New York City in 1993.
Q. Is Pedro Pascal’s religion?
A. In a 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Pascal mentioned that he and Ramsey are “linked souls.” Pascal describes himself as both agnostic and a progressive liberal.
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. He is not married and has no kids, nor does he plan to have any. Despite that, he often acts as a father figure in movies. Fans have even created an online persona around this aspect of his roles.
