Pedro Pascal, Pedro Pascal Wild West [Image Source: NMAS]
Pedro Pascal, known for his diverse roles and rapid rise in Hollywood, recently shared an unexpected setback involving a Wild West film opportunity. During a promotional period, he opened up about missing the chance to appear in the 2018 western The Sisters Brothers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his career in the entertainment industry.
Pascal’s Expanding Career and Varied Roles
The Chilean actor has become a ubiquitous presence in recent years, crafting an impressive 2024 and 2025 slate that includes parts ranging from a Marvel superhero to a Roman general, a clever fox, and a charming bachelor. This surge of work reflects how Pascal has quickly transformed from a lesser-known talent into a sought-after star, seemingly accelerating after years of steady but quieter progress.
Most notably, Pascal starred in Eddington, a politically charged drama by director Ari Aster. Set amid the backdrop of New Mexico’s deserts, the film explores tensions during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on a conflict between Joaquin Phoenix’s anti-mask sheriff and Pascal’s pro-lockdown mayor, providing commentary on divisive cultural issues through its narrative.
The Missed Opportunity: The Sisters Brothers
On the Eddingtonpress tour, Pascal revealed to Phoenix his deep interest in appearing in The Sisters Brothers, a western involving two hitmen brothers, Charlie and Eli, portrayed by Phoenix and John C. Reilly, respectively. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the movie follows their mission to hunt down gold prospectors played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Riz Ahmed. Pascal mentioned his enthusiasm for this role during an interview with Dazed, saying,
Image of: Pedro Pascal
“Do you know how badly I wanted to be in The Sisters Brothers? I wrote letters and stuff. I read the book!”
Pedro Pascal
Though the exact role Pascal aimed for remains unclear, it is likely he aspired to one of the brothers’ parts, which would have been a fitting addition to his career. The original source material for the film was Patrick deWitt’s 2011 novel, which Pascal had read extensively in preparation.
The Sisters Brothers: Critical Acclaim Despite Box Office Struggles
Despite featuring a talented cast and strong direction, The Sisters Brothers underperformed financially, returning approximately $14 million against a $38 million budget. However, it found favor with critics and received several nominations at the César Awards, where Jacques Audiard won ‘Best Director.’ The film also earned accolades at the Venice Film Festival, highlighting Audiard’s acclaimed work.
Additionally, had Pascal been cast, he would have worked alongside Rutger Hauer, the iconic Dutch actor for whom this film was the final release during his lifetime before his passing in 2019.
Pascal’s Later Western Roles and Reflections on Genre
Pascal did not have to wait long after missing out on The Sisters Brothers to engage with the Western genre again. In 2023, he starred in Pedro Almodóvar’s short film Strange Way of Life opposite Ethan Hawke. Unlike the fraternal violence of The Sisters Brothers, this film focuses on two cowboy gunslingers sharing a romantic relationship, offering a fresh take on classic Western themes.
The ongoing conversation about Westerns arose naturally from Pascal’s involvement in Eddington, a film partly set in a dusty, small New Mexico town. Reflecting on when Eddington might be considered a Western, he pondered,
“This one seems like a political satire western, but only partly because we’re in a dusty, small town, that’s what makes it a western?”
Pedro Pascal
This uncertainty highlights the evolving definition of Western films today, as contemporary stories blend traditional elements with modern social and political commentary.
