Comedian Pete Davidson has drawn attention to the pattern of how celebrities like Pedro Pascal experience rapid shifts in public opinion, a phenomenon known as “Pedro Pascal celebrity backlash.” Speaking on the This Past Weekend podcast with host Theo Von, Davidson emphasized the unpredictable nature of fame, where fans can quickly alternate between adoration and harsh criticism.
The Saturday Night Live alum noted how this cycle can feel relentless for actors rising in popularity, using Pascal as a case study for how public perception can swing dramatically within a short period.
From Struggling Artist to Overexposed Star: The Pedro Pascal Case
Davidson recounted how Pascal, the Chile-born actor, was celebrated for years as a dedicated, hardworking actor.
“F—ing two years ago, he’s a hardworking, great actor,”
Davidson said.
“But everyone was like, ‘He’s worked so hard and has been a struggling actor.’ F—ing blows up so f—ing hard. Everyone’s like, ‘Daddy, daddy! Yeah, daddy, daddy.’”
However, that admiration soon took a harsh turn as Pascal’s increasing fame led to overexposure. Davidson described this shift:
“Then a year later, he’s, like, in everything now ’cause he’s hot and big, and everyone’s like, ‘Go the f— away, dude.’”
This contrast illustrates the fickle nature of celebrity status, especially for someone like Pascal who is suddenly thrust into multiple high-profile projects, including the second season of The Last of Us, Ari Aster’s film Eddington, and his Marvel debut as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Pedro Pascal’s Long Career Amidst Sudden Spotlight
Davidson pointed out that Pascal, who is 50 years old, has been dedicated to his craft for decades. He observed,
“He’s been banging at it for 30 years and now he’s, like, learning how to go get a cup of coffee or, like, deal with someone that taps you on the shoulder while you have your earbuds in and freaks you out.”
He urged audiences to allow Pascal time to adjust to this sudden surge of attention:
“You got to give that guy a f—ing second to, like, adjust,”
Davidson emphasized.
Walton Goggins May Be the Next to Face the Fame Backlash
Looking ahead, Davidson predicted that actor Walton Goggins may become the next person caught in this rapid rise-and-fall cycle. Goggins, known for his roles in Justified and The Shield, has recently gained considerable acclaim for portraying Rick Hatchett in The White Lotus season three, which earned him his third Emmy nomination.
Davidson warned,
“They’re going to do it with Walton Goggins … next. It’s like we build everybody up. It’s, like, so fast to turn [on the celebrity].”
Von agreed with Davidson’s assessment, calling this sudden change in public sentiment “crazy,” to which Davidson added, “Bro. It’s, like, within months.”
Davidson’s Own Experience with Public Scrutiny and Media Frenzy
Davidson’s insights come from personal experience, having navigated intense media attention early in his career due to his high-profile relationships. During an interview on The Breakfast Club, he reflected on the media frenzy triggered by his relationship with Ariana Grande while working on Saturday Night Live.
He candidly addressed the mixed feelings that accompanied this exposure, especially since it overlapped with his struggles with substance abuse and mental health. Davidson explained how he purposefully withdrew from the public eye as a response to these pressures.
When cohost Charlamagne tha God remarked,
“You was banging a lot of hot chicks and you had a 10-inch penis,”
Davidson acknowledged the public perception with humor:
“You know, on paper, that sounds great.”
He then questioned the media’s focus on him:
“Why are they focusing on me?”
Davidson suggested the attention was fueled in part because he is “not Glen Powell handsome,” leaving people puzzled about how he attracted his celebrity partners.
“I’m just like this dude that tells dick jokes and is a drug addict,”
he said.
The Discomfort of Being Over-Sexualized in the Media
Davidson also highlighted the discomfort he felt due to the excessive sexualization in the media coverage. He argued,
“If that was a girl, people would be like, there would be a march for it.”
He added,
“Seriously. You’re just talking about my dick all day… They don’t talk about girls like that professionally. Like it was professional, it was like pointed out on the street. Like it was embarrassing.”
Looking Forward: Davidson’s New Chapter and Personal Growth
Now, Davidson appears to be embracing a more grounded phase in life, adopting what many see as “big dad energy.” His girlfriend Elsie Hewitt announced on social media that they are expecting their first child as of July 16, marking a new milestone for the comedian.
Through his reflections, Davidson’s warnings about the Pedro Pascal celebrity backlash reveal a broader pattern in how fame can quickly become overwhelming, suggesting that other rising stars like Walton Goggins may soon face similar public scrutiny. This cycle highlights the intense and sometimes brutal nature of celebrity culture today, where adoration can swiftly turn to dismissal without warning.
