Pedro Pascal’s Shocking Boycott Call: Risks ‘Fantastic Four’ Success with Political Rant

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Pedro Pascal, the nearly everywhere-present star known from Disney’s “The Mandalorian,” Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” Marvel’s upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” and HBO’s “The Last of Us,” is generating buzz again, but this time not for his acting. Instead, it’s his politically charged statements that are causing a stir. In an unexpected move, Pascal has openly advocated for boycotting a different studio’s high-profile project, mirroring the kind of uproar that surrounded fellow Disney actor Rachel Zegler and her aborted “Snow White” remake.

Recently, Pascal criticized J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, following her celebration of a U.K. Supreme Court ruling on womanhood. This prompted Pascal to comment negatively about the entire Harry Potter franchise on Instagram, calling it “awful, disgusting behavior” from a “heinous loser.” Tariq Raouf, an activist, posted a video urging fans to boycott the series, suggesting they should not watch the show, visit Universal Studios, or buy any Harry Potter merchandise. This call to action against a rival studio is seen as unconventional and inappropriate by many.

As a movie critic, I’ve noticed that Disney isn’t unfamiliar with the repercussions of a star’s vocal political stances. The same situation arose with Rachel Zegler, who graced our screens in Disney’s remake of Snow White. Unfortunately, her political opinions sparked quite a commotion as well. The backlash was immediate and intense. With a global gross of $143.1 million against an estimated budget of $350 million, the film didn’t fare well, receiving unfavorable reviews from both critics and audiences. Many attribute the movie’s commercial flop to Zegler’s controversial public persona and political outbursts. Interestingly, Pascal has been vocal in his support for Zegler’s pro-Palestinian views on social media as well.

Previously, this Disney star has not shied away from engaging with issues related to identity and politics. Just last month, the actor expressed his support for transgender rights by sharing an image, stating “a world without trans people has never existed. And never will.” He also frequently shares politically charged posts on social media, yet has not faced any consequences from Disney or Lucasfilm. In 2020, Pascal drew attention by comparing migrant children held at the U.S. border to those in Nazi concentration camps. Additionally, he commented on the Kyle Rittenhouse case and likened Trump supporters to Nazis.

As the release of Fantastic Four: First Steps approaches, there are genuine worries that Pascal’s actions could bring about similar adverse effects. This movie is already dealing with tough competition at the box office, as James Gunn’s Superman and a new Jurassic World sequel are generating considerable buzz and viewer interest. In fact, initial figures suggest that Fantastic Four is lagging significantly behind its competitors in terms of public awareness and audience anticipation. Given this scenario, any additional controversy – particularly one as public and divisive as Pascal’s – could potentially drive away a large segment of moviegoers who might have otherwise attended a major Marvel event.

It’s quite surprising when a prominent actor from a highly-anticipated Disney/Marvel movie calls on audiences to avoid another studio’s productions. This kind of action undermines the cooperative ethos of the entertainment world and diverts attention away from the movies themselves. Although Pascal might have personal reasons like family or strong beliefs, the public perception is certainly damaging for business, more so when the echoes of Zegler’s ticket sale struggles are still reverberating.

Related Pedro Pascal is the Poster Child for Disney’s Double Standards

In the ongoing struggle of Hollywood with the influence of actors’ out-of-character actions, Pedro Pascal’s recent political remarks offer a warning. Similar to how Rachel Zegler’s public image became a challenge for Snow White, Pascal’s polarizing statements and advocacy for boycotts on other studio projects may eclipse Fantastic Four: First Steps, potentially harming its ticket sales even more than a gender-swapped Silver Surfer, disgruntled fans, or a less flamboyant Johnny Storm.

The lesson for Disney and Marvel will soon be evident: when celebrities garner attention due to negative events, it’s everyone who ultimately suffers the consequences.

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2025-04-25 14:45