Walton Goggins is openly accepting the likelihood that critics may soon turn against him, following a prediction made by Pete Davidson. The actor, known for his role in The White Lotus season 3, addressed the recent media attention sparked by Davidson’s comments about the rapid rise and fall of celebrity reputations. Goggins shared his thoughts on Instagram, emphasizing his willingness to embrace the journey regardless of the backlash.
The conversation began after Davidson, during a recent episode of This Past Weekend, suggested that Goggins could face the same critical backlash that Pedro Pascal experienced after his acclaimed performance as Rick Hatchett on Mike White’s HBO series. Davidson highlighted a cycle where celebrities are first embraced and then swiftly rejected by fans and critics alike.
Goggins’ Reflective Response to Davidson’s Warning
In response to Davidson’s forecast, Goggins acknowledged the notion with a sense of gratitude rather than fear.
“I saw this article and had to respond. (Pete was talking about his own experience) Pete we don’t know each other but I appreciate the heads up. We agree on one thing… Pedro Pascal isn’t a good man, He’s a great man. A dear friend of mine,”
Goggins wrote, pointing to his respect for Pascal amid the controversy.
The Emmy-nominated actor further addressed the idea that the fans who recently idolized him might soon turn critical as he promotes multiple upcoming projects.
“As a 53 yr old I’m acutely aware that every experience has a shelf life. I appreciate so many of you going on this journey with me,”
he explained, demonstrating his acceptance of the fleeting nature of fame.
He also admitted to a weariness with repeating certain life lessons but recognized his responsibility to support the stories he’s part of.

“I imagine a lot of you (and I don’t blame you) are tired of hearing my homilies. Trust me I’m tired of saying them,”
Goggins remarked.
“I have a few things coming out that I have an obligation to talk about… not for me mind you, but to honor all of those that worked so hard to bring these stories to fruition. So if you see something with my name on it I encourage you not to click on it… unless you want to… and if you do…I appreciate the support.”
Appreciation for Opportunities Despite Criticism
Goggins views the increasing attention and Davidson’s prediction not as a curse but as a privilege.
“How lucky am I that this is even a possibility?!! I’ve had the good fortune of engaging in so many interesting conversations with so many of you….of collaborating with so many top-shelf people across so many disciplines over the last couple of years,”
he reflected.
He underscored his humble beginnings and the improbability of his achievements by stating,
“Way more than a poor kid from GA would ever have the audacity to imagine. I wouldn’t take one back. So…If saying yes in life more than saying no is a crime, then I’m guilty as charged.”
Embracing an easygoing attitude, Goggins concluded with resolve:
“And If this headline is a possibility or an inevitability… if this is my fate…Well… F— it. I’m going to enjoy the F— OUT OF IT.”
Pete Davidson Discusses the Volatile Nature of Celebrity Praise
On the podcast hosted by Theo Von, Pete Davidson shared his perspective on how quickly public opinion can shift, particularly citing Pedro Pascal’s experience. Davidson described how fans initially admired Pascal for his hard work but suddenly turned critical once his fame skyrocketed.
“F—ing two years ago, he’s a hardworking, great actor,”
Davidson noted.
“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.’”
He added,
“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.’”
Davidson emphasized the speed of this turnaround, agreeing with Von’s comment on the rapidity of celebrity fallouts.
“It’s like we build everybody up,”
he said.
“It’s, like, so fast to turn [on the celebrity].”
To which Von replied, “The turn is crazy,” and Davidson responded, “Bro. It’s, like, within months.”
Pedro Pascal’s Recent Projects Highlight His Rising Profile
Pedro Pascal’s surge in popularity, sometimes referred to as The Summer of Pedro, encompasses several high-profile roles. He recently appeared in the second season of The Last of Us, delivering an emotionally charged final performance. Additionally, Pascal stars in Ari Aster’s film Eddington, Celine Song’s romantic dramedy Materialists alongside Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans, and made his Marvel debut as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He is also set to reprise this character in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Understanding the Impact of Fame’s Rapid Shifts
The experiences shared by Davidson, Goggins, and their peers illustrate the unpredictable nature of public attention in the entertainment industry. The ebb and flow of celebrity adoration hold significant emotional and professional implications for actors navigating rising fame. Goggins’ acceptance and embrace of potential backlash reflect a pragmatic approach to this volatile environment, focusing on gratitude and the privilege of opportunity.