Pedro Pascal, soon to star as Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four MCU film, appeared in Ari Aster’s satirical black comedy Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix. During a recent interview, Pascal disclosed that he almost refused to slap Phoenix for a pivotal confrontation scene, revealing his initial reluctance to physically hit the Joker actor.
Pascal and Phoenix discussed this challenging moment in an interview with Men’s Health, where Pascal admitted that slapping Phoenix felt uncomfortable but necessary for the authenticity of their tense encounter.
Behind the Scenes of the Confrontation Between Pascal and Phoenix
Eddington, directed by Ari Aster, centers on a conflict between Joe Cross, a conservative sheriff played by Phoenix, and Ted Garcia, a liberal mayoral incumbent portrayed by Pascal. The ideological clash between the two characters escalates into a physical altercation that required Pascal to slap Phoenix. Initially hesitant, Pascal found it difficult to deliver the slap with genuine force.
However, Phoenix encouraged Pascal to make the hit real, explaining the importance of a genuine reaction to maintain the scene’s intensity. Pascal recalled,
“He was like, ‘Please don’t hit me,’ and I smacked him really hard.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
Despite his discomfort, Pascal acknowledged that the real slap was essential for the scene’s impact and praised the professional communication between the two actors. He described their interaction as a strong, collaborative partnership, even though the physicality was uneasy.
Pascal elaborated on the moment, saying,
“We did it, and we went right into ‘action,’ and I smacked the s**t out of him.”
—Pedro Pascal, Actor
Joaquin Phoenix on the Importance of Authenticity in Their Scene
Joaquin Phoenix, best known for his Academy Award-winning role in Joker, explained his perspective on the confrontation scene in Eddington. He emphasized that the scene required not only verbal intensity but a raw, impulsive physical reaction to reflect the characters’ deep ideological divide. Phoenix stressed the need for the slap to feel “electric” to capture the emotional peak of the argument.
“I was very clear on what was important, and, therefore, then, that moment has to be electric. And that’s a oner.”
—Joaquin Phoenix, Actor
Phoenix noted that this physical interaction was a natural extension of their characters’ conflict and essential for conveying the scene‘s passion and tension. Despite the on-screen hostility, Phoenix joked about disliking Pascal in real life, a humorous nod to their convincing portrayal of adversaries.
Pascal responded with similar humor, hinting at a mutual fictional dislike while affirming their off-screen camaraderie. Both actors praised each other’s professionalism, highlighting how their rapport translated into a powerful dynamic for the film.
The Significance of the Scene and Its Impact on Audiences
Eddington’s release has sparked varied responses, but the palpable tension in the scenes between Pascal and Phoenix stands out, partly due to the real physicality captured on camera. The decision to keep the slap authentic contributes to the film’s intense atmosphere, reinforcing the ideological battle at its core.
For Pedro Pascal, this project serves as a notable prelude to his high-profile Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, while Joaquin Phoenix continues to showcase his range in unconventional roles. Their collaboration under Ari Aster’s direction demonstrates the actors’ dedication to immersive storytelling, which is likely to resonate with viewers seeking raw and dynamic performances.
Currently screening in theaters across the United States, Eddington offers audiences a blend of satire, drama, and intense character conflict, amplified by the genuine chemistry between its leads.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal so loved?
A. Meloni chuckles but is sincere when she says they admire him for his political views and how he uses his influence. He takes a bold stand on serious issues like the Gaza genocide, the rise of fascism, and threats to LGBTQ+ rights. They also appreciate his expression of masculinity.
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. He is not married, doesn’t have kids, and doesn’t plan to have any soon. Despite this, he often plays fatherly characters in his roles. Fans have created an entire online identity around this, which he openly acknowledges and enjoys.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal posted on Instagram to show his support for young people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. These days, “babygirl” mostly refers to male celebrities or middle-aged male fictional characters. The term describes a man with a gentle, vulnerable vibe. When used for stars like Mescal and Pascal, it often suggests they are appealing.
