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Pedro Pascal’s Career and the Hidden Gem of “Prospect”
Before becoming a household name for his role in The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal had already made a mark in the sci-fi genre with a film that, while not as widely recognized, is arguably more compelling. In 2018, he starred in Prospect, a low-budget space adventure alongside Sophie Thatcher. Looking back, this film stands out as a stronger piece than some of HBO Max’s flagship productions. Since his breakout role in Game of Thrones, Pascal’s career has been on an upward trajectory, much like a rocket ship.
Pascal has played a variety of roles across different mediums. He has portrayed a DCEU villain, a general of Rome, a feisty mayor, and even took on the role of Reed Richards in the MCU. This is just a glimpse into his film roles. On television, his recent work has largely centered around two shows: The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. Interestingly, his experience in Prospect can be seen as a precursor to his role in The Last of Us.
Prospect Foreshadowed Pedro Pascal’s Role in The Last of Us
Prospect is a science fiction film that stars Pedro Pascal as Ezra and Sophie Thatcher as Cee. The two characters are members of rival prospecting groups attempting to mine a valuable gem on an alien moon. Cee is with her father when they are attacked by Ezra and his partner. A shootout leaves only Ezra and Cee, forcing them to navigate a hostile planet to escape.
In this scenario, Pedro Pascal plays an older, hardened man who is forced by circumstances to transport a tough yet innocent young girl across a dangerous landscape. This dynamic closely mirrors his role in The Last of Us, where he portrays a character in a similar situation. It’s almost like a trial run for his later performance.
Prospect Is One of Pedro Pascal’s Best Movies to Date
While Pedro Pascal has had a strong movie career, Prospect stands out as one of his best. This is somewhat surprising given that it came early in his career, just before he donned the Mandalorian helmet as Din Djarin.
The film received an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which accurately reflects its quality. Despite being produced on a shoestring budget, Prospect manages to turn its limitations into strengths. The film becomes a lean, smart character study, with Pascal and Thatcher delivering standout performances.
The world-building in Prospect is impressive, but it never overshadows the central story of Cee and Ezra. The film focuses on their relationship and the challenges they face, making it a compelling narrative.
Why Prospect Is Even Better Than HBO’s The Last of Us
If you enjoy The Last of Us, you might find Prospect equally, if not more, enjoyable. While The Last of Us has had its ups and downs, particularly in season 2 due to a character departure, the overall quality of the show remains high. However, it is no longer the sure thing that many hoped for from HBO.
Prospect excels at what great sci-fi movies and TV shows do: telling a complete, self-contained story without needing the next installment. Introducing a new world and answering all pressing questions within 100 minutes is no small feat, but Prospect manages to do so effectively. This makes it a special film that stands out in the sci-fi genre.