Pedro Pascal is now widely considered the leading candidate to portray the next on-screen pope, as Hollywood speculation intensifies and entertainment betting markets signal strong odds in his favor. Emerging as the front-runner for a highly anticipated cinematic or television portrayal of the new pontiff, Pascal, best known for standout roles in “The Mandalorian,” “The Last of Us,” and “Game of Thrones,” is at the center of an industry conversation that blends global headlines with star power. Multiple credible insiders confirm that Pedro Pascal is “the favorite” for a papal role, though no official casting has been announced.
Whispers of Pedro Pascal stepping into the holy shoes have fueled a buzz that extends far beyond Hollywood’s boundaries. While nothing is confirmed, the momentum behind his candidacy now draws in fans of film, television, and the religious world alike. The Action Network, an established source for entertainment odds, reported by email that Pedro Pascal sits atop the market at 2/1 (+200) odds, which translates to a 33.3% implied probability—making him a clear favorite among both audiences and industry observers.
Offering an inside view, a spokesperson for The Action Network remarked,
“Casting the next pope isn’t just about religious authority. It’s become a dramatic and symbolic choice. These odds weigh everything from industry buzz to acting range to who can wear the mitre with cinematic swagger.”
Their assessment underscores a unique convergence where charisma, gravitas, and an actor’s ability to humanize the papal figure converge in global entertainment.
Other prominent actors in the running include Oscar Isaac, celebrated for his role in “Moon Knight,” who follows at 4/1 (+400) odds and a 20% chance. Despite their successful collaborations, Isaac trails Pascal significantly according to industry sources. The lineup continues with renowned actor Mark Rylance at 5/1 (+500), and further includes Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Michael Fassbender, all considered strong contenders but none surpassing the fervor surrounding Pascal’s possible casting.
Names further down the prediction charts add to the spectacle, as heavyweights like Mads Mikkelsen (10/1), Liam Neeson (12/1), Ciarán Hinds (14/1), and Ben Kingsley (16/1) surface as remote yet notable possibilities, reflecting the broad impact of this unprecedented casting debate. Such speculation is unfolding against the backdrop of significant world events.
The excitement in Hollywood is amplified by recent developments at the Vatican, where the death of Pope Francis on April 21 created a vacancy at the head of the Catholic Church. As 133 cardinal electors gathered within the historic walls of the Sistine Chapel to cast their decisive ballots for a new spiritual leader, a wave of intrigue swept the globe. In an extraordinary turn, reports emerged that certain cardinals, immersed in this solemn process, drew cinematic inspiration for their momentous decision.
POLITICO reports that several cardinals watched the political-religious thriller “Conclave,” starring Ralph Fiennes, as research before the papal election. One cleric involved in the proceedings acknowledged,
“Some have watched it in the cinema,”
reinforcing the reach and influence of film, even in the most traditional institutions. Directed by Edward Berger, “Conclave” portrays Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean tasked with navigating complex rivalries, sensitive dossiers, and the surprise emergence of a mysterious candidate.
The global response to Pope Francis’ death triggered a dramatic surge in viewership for “Conclave.” According to data tracked by Luminate, watch time soared by 283% within a single day, from 1.8 million minutes on April 20 to 6.9 million minutes on April 21, the day the pontiff passed away. Audiences turned to the film in search of insight, context, and suspense, hoping to gain a vision into the secretive rituals inside the Sistine Chapel. This record-breaking increase signifies the public’s intense desire for stories—both real and imagined—that capture the magnitude of the Catholic Church’s transition.
Netflix’s “The Two Popes,” featuring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, also saw a massive 417% bump in global viewership, reaffirming that popular culture is closely tied to real-world religious events. These spikes in attention demonstrate a widespread appetite for narratives exploring spiritual leadership and the immense challenges facing those who wear the robes of the papacy.
As focus shifts to who will assume the papal role on screen, Pedro Pascal stands at a unique crossroads of artistic acclaim and public anticipation. Fans and industry insiders are watching for official confirmation as buzz grows, with many expressing their hopes that Pascal’s range, presence, and established ability to inject humanity into commanding roles will set a new standard for this character.
The growing fascination with Pedro Pascal as a strong contender for the next on-screen pope is a testament to both the shifting landscape of cinematic storytelling and the broader cultural conversation about faith, leadership, and spectacle. The results of official casting are still pending, but if consensus and market predictions prevail, Pedro Pascal may soon don the papal vestments for what could become a defining role of his career. For now, the phrase “Pope Pedro Pascal” is echoing with momentum across film studios, fan discussions, and the wider world, symbolizing a rare convergence of entertainment, religion, and public fascination. With anticipation high and speculation fierce, all eyes will remain on Pascal and Hollywood as the next chapter in this extraordinary casting saga unfolds.
