Pedro Pascal praises Cape Fear as best movie remake in a recent interview, revealing his deep admiration for the 1991 Martin Scorsese film while reflecting on its impact decades later. The acclaimed actor, known for roles across Hollywood and major franchises, shared what sets this remake apart and why its performances still resonate with him.
Pedro Pascal’s Appreciation for Classic Remakes
Over the past several years, Pedro Pascal has risen to prominence, becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Although Pascal began his acting journey in the mid-1990s, he initially caught the public’s attention in the role of Oberyn Martell on Game of Thrones. He continued to make waves in projects like Narcos and later landed the lead in The Mandalorian, further cementing his status as a versatile performer. Pascal’s recent roles have included ventures into blockbuster franchises, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an upcoming re-imagining of The Fantastic Four, reflecting his willingness to take on both original works and remakes.
In an in-depth conversation with Sky TV, Pascal explored his favorite films, highlighting classics and more contemporary selections. As a dedicated student of cinema, he expressed a particular fascination with the artistry behind memorable performances. During this discussion, he spotlighted a remake from the 1990s that holds a special place in his heart: Scorsese’s Cape Fear. This selection is notable, given Pascal’s own involvement in remakes and reimaginings throughout his career.
What Makes Juliette Lewis’s Performance So Remarkable?
Reflecting on his first experience watching Cape Fear when it debuted, Pascal remains moved by the film’s emotional power. He did not spend extensive time discussing the 1991 adaptation, but when asked about remakes, Pascal offered a pointed endorsement of Scorsese’s work, stating,
“the best remake of anything that I’ve ever seen.”
—Pedro Pascal
Pascal’s admiration is rooted in Juliette Lewis’s unforgettable portrayal of Danielle Bowden. He drew a comparison between Lewis’s naturalistic acting and the legendary Marlon Brando, underscoring how her authentic and at times unsettling performance left an indelible impression on him. Pascal continued,
“the strangeness of her performance, the honesty of it, honestly just blowing my mind.”
—Pedro Pascal
While Robert De Niro’s menacing turn as Max Cady has often been the focus of conversation, Pascal’s attention to Lewis highlights his depth of understanding as a performer. Lewis’s depiction represents innocence in a narrative where the adult characters are all compromised by their flaws. Her emotionally raw and controversial interpretation continues to stand out for Pascal, nearly 35 years after the film’s release.
Evaluating Scorsese’s Cape Fear Among Film Remakes
Pascal’s impassioned defense of the 1991 remake invites the question of whether Cape Fear truly stands as the greatest remake in cinematic history. While Martin Scorsese’s reinterpretation builds on John D. MacDonald’s original story, updating the 1960s classic for a new era, opinions remain divided about its ultimate ranking. The remake certainly delivers heightened drama and character depth but does not necessarily surpass its predecessor in every regard.
Importantly, the original 1962 version of Cape Fear maintains an impressive 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Scorsese’s remake holds a slightly lower score of 75%. This discrepancy reflects the challenge of matching, let alone exceeding, an already acclaimed film. The most celebrated remakes often improve upon source material’s weaknesses or bring fresh perspective to outdated elements, whereas the original Cape Fear was considered almost flawless. While Scorsese’s take did not diminish the story, it fell short of revolutionizing the narrative to the same degree as other transformative remakes.
Scorsese has tackled multiple remakes throughout his career. For instance, The Departed—which draws inspiration from the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs—is widely regarded as one of his most successful reinterpretations. Still, his version of Cape Fear distinguished itself by taking cues from a real-life crime for one character, adding further complexity to an already layered narrative.
Why Pascal’s Insights Highlight His Potential for a Scorsese Collaboration
Pascal’s thorough understanding of what makes Scorsese’s movies unique brings up the exciting possibility of a future collaboration between the two. Although Pascal’s career currently includes blockbuster fare—spanning superhero entries to sprawling adventure series—his nuanced approach to character and drama has become increasingly evident. He has demonstrated a clear appreciation for the subtle aspects of performance, as shown by his focus on Juliette Lewis in Cape Fear and his own compelling work in crime-themed series such as Narcos.
Pedro Pascal has proven himself to be an adaptable actor, able to inhabit a diverse range of characters and genres with authenticity. Whether depicting a morally conflicted antihero or channeling quiet vulnerability, he seems ready for any challenge a filmmaker might present. If Martin Scorsese continues to direct new projects, many industry observers believe a partnership with Pascal is only a matter of time.
For now, Pascal continues to deepen his legacy as both a performer and student of film, drawing inspiration from cinematic milestones like Cape Fear and sharing that passion with audiences and future collaborators alike.
