Though his fatherly roles go back many years, Pedro Pascal has become his own kind of archetype when it comes to playing a dad in Hollywood. After making his big break as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones in 2014, Pascal has only continued to rise in fame more and more, which has placed many exciting opportunities before him. Following his debut as the Star Wars father and titular character of The Mandalorian, Din Djarin, most of these opportunities see Pascal playing a dad – usually, a single dad who’s reluctantly agreed to protect someone.
While all of these dad roles that Pascal plays are quite different from one another, this list is ranked based on how good of a father these characters really are. It’s worth noting that there are some dad roles Pascal previously played that aren’t included, only because they are brief appearances made in network TV shows. Pascal is expected to be playing a father in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards, but until that performance debuts, Reed won’t be included on this list. That leaves these 10 dad roles, ranked from worst to best.
10 Dave York
The Equalizer 2 (2018)
Close
Long before the two joined forces for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, Pascal appeared in an antagonistic role with Denzel Washington in The Equalizer 2, where his character’s actions certainly endanger his own children. Though there isn’t much focus on who Dave York was as a father, he’s seen with his family in at least one scene, and his other actions speak for him. Formerly the partner of Washington’s Robert McCall in the DIA, Dave and his associates have since become contracted killers, with Dave even murdering Robert’s close friend to maintain the secret.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
5/10 The Equalizer 2 RCrimeActionThriller
The Equalizer 2 is the follow-up film to Antoine Fuqua’s 2014 The Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington as Robert McCall. The sequel was released four years later and follows McCall as he seeks revenge after one of his close friends is murdered. The film wasn’t as well received as the first movie but was still considered a worthy addition to the Equalizer franchise.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Antoine Fuqua Release Date July 20, 2018 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Sony Writers Richard Wenk Cast Bill Pullman , Ashton Sanders , Denzel Washington , Pedro Pascal , Melissa Leo Runtime 121 Minutes Franchise(s) The Equalizer Sequel(s) The Equalizer 3 prequel(s) The Equalizer (2014) Budget $62 million Expand
Robert confronts Dave at his house when he becomes suspicious of what Dave’s up to, and this alone is a quiet threat and a harrowing reminder that Robert knows where he, and his family, live. Instead, Dave doubles down on what he’s doing, and he even kidnaps a teenager as leverage to lure Robert out and attempt to kill him. Anyone who would put their children at risk like this, or risk other children in the process, is not a good parent, nor a good person. Pascal plays the character well, but this father is certainly last on the list.
9 Maxwell “Max” Lord
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Close
Next is Pascal’s antagonistic DC Universe role, on account of how Max Lord’s motives concern him more than his son. As someone with a poor, abusive upbringing, Max wants nothing more than success, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get that. With his business on the cusp of bankruptcy, Max goes after an ancient artifact that’s been said to grant wishes, and he takes on the stone’s powers. The more he gets people to make wishes, the more powerful he becomes, though the process is also killing him at the same time.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
8/10 5.7/10 Wonder Woman 1984 PG-13ActionAdventureFantasySuperhero
In 1984, Wonder Woman’s second big-screen solo adventure finds her working in the Smithsonian while secretly living a double life as the iconic superhero. When she comes across a mysterious artifact at the museum, Wonder Woman soon finds herself facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and Cheetah. Wonder Woman 1984 was one of the first theatrical films to be simultaneously released on HBO Max in 2020.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Patty Jenkins Release Date December 25, 2020 Studio(s) DC Films , Atlas Entertainment , The Stone Quarry , Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Geoff Johns , Patty Jenkins Cast Gal Gadot , Chris Pine , Pedro Pascal , Kristoffer Polaha , Connie Nielsen , Gabriella Wilde , Kristen Wiig , Robin Wright , Manoj Anand Runtime 115 Minutes Franchise(s) DC Extended Universe , Wonder Woman Sequel(s) Wonder Woman 3 prequel(s) Wonder Woman Budget $200 Million Expand
Through all of this, Max’s son, Alistair (Lucian Perez), is fighting for his father’s attention – and failing to earn it. Max feels as if he has to prove himself to his son, but all his son wants is to love his father and be loved in return. Max’s actions even inadvertently put Alistair in danger, as he’s left abandoned in the midst of the chaos that results from Max allowing the entire world to grant their wishes. It takes this entire series of events for Max to understand this, and though their reunion is endearing, it still cannot erase everything.
8 Ezra
Prospect (2018)
Close
The role Pascal plays as Ezra in the indie sci-fi movie Prospect is much more like his familiar archetype of fatherly roles, with him going from a stranger to the fierce protector of a child. In Prospect, Ezra ends up killing Cee (Sophie Thatcher)’s father in a tense showdown between ambitious prospectors, and the two of them instead end up taking a journey that leads to them growing closer. Cee and Ezra’s relationship starts out conditional at best, due to the terms of how they met, but by the end, they become a reluctant father-daughter duo.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
5/10 Prospect RScience Fiction
Prospect is a 2018 science fiction film directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell. It follows a teenage girl and her father as they embark on a quest to harvest rare gems from a toxic alien moon. Faced with treacherous terrain and hostile inhabitants, they must navigate dangerous encounters in a lawless frontier. The film stars Sophie Thatcher, Pedro Pascal, and Jay Duplass.
Director Zeek Earl , Christopher Caldwell Release Date October 2, 2018 Studio(s) Depth of Field , Bron Studios , Ground Control Entertainment , Shep Films , Breaker , Film4 Productions , DUST Writers Christopher Caldwell , Zeek Earl Cast Sophie Thatcher , Pedro Pascal , Jay Duplass , Andre Royo , Sheila Vand Runtime 98 Minutes Budget 4000000.0 Main Genre Science Fiction Expand
Ezra certainly does not start out as the ideal father figure. Murdering Cee’s father in an attempted robbery gone wrong, and then trying to kill Cee afterward, proves as much. Their dynamic, however, changes for the better, symbolized by the moment when Cee helps Ezra to amputate his arm that’s been infected by the shot she took at him when he first tried to kill her. Losing that arm meant losing their past, and instead, they move forward to survive together. Ezra’s still done plenty of wrong things concerning Cee, though, which keeps him lower on this list.
7 Silva
Strange Way of Life (2023)
Close
Though the focus of Strange Way of Life is on Silva’s relationship with Jake (Ethan Hawke), not his son Joe (George Steane), Silva’s relationship with his son is still an important part of what happens in Pedro Almodóvar’s short film. As the sheriff of a Wild West town, Jake is in pursuit of Silva’s son, who’s the suspect of a murder – the murder of Jake’s brother’s widow. Silva comes into town to visit Jake specifically, his old friend and lover who he hasn’t seen in 25 years, and Jake blames this visit on Silva’s desire to protect his son.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Strange Way of Life RDramaWestern
Strange Way of Life (2023) is a Western drama directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film stars Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal as former gunslingers who reunite after a long separation. Set against a rugged landscape, their encounter reveals deep-seated tensions and unresolved issues, challenging their notions of loyalty and identity.
Director Pedro Almodovar Release Date May 26, 2023 Studio(s) El Deseo , Saint Laurent Productions Writers Pedro Almodovar Cast Ethan Hawke , Pedro Pascal , Pedro Casablanc , Manu Rios Runtime 31 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Silva, however, is completely unaware of what his son’s done, but he immediately goes to confront him. Silva chews Joe out for what he’s done, and he even pulls his shotgun on him to defend Jake. Still, even as Silva demands that his son leaves forever, he protects his son the way any good father would, preventing Jake from killing him when his back’s turned. While Silva likely should have been keeping better tabs on what his son was up to, he does what he can to rectify it, giving him an average spot on the list.
6 Francisco “Catfish” Morales
Triple Frontier (2019)
Close
Interestingly, Pascal’s role as Frankie in Netflix’s Triple Frontier never shows him with his child, though the child is mentioned a few times – and the way he treats his friends informs how he is as a father. There’s no denying the fact that out of his group of five close friends from his Delta Force squad, Frankie is the “dad friend.” He’s the one who keeps them on all task, offers advice, and even deals out a necessary thank-you to Santiago (Oscar Isaac) for covering a round of drinks, despite the little white lies Santiago was telling them about their mission.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
7/10 Triple Frontier RActionAdventureCrime
Triple Frontier is an action movie that sees five former Special Forces operatives reunite to plan a heist in a sparsely populated multi-border zone of South America. For the first time in their prestigious careers, these unsung heroes undertake this dangerous mission for themselves instead of the country. But when events take an unexpected turn and threaten to spiral out of control, their skills, loyalties, and morals are pushed to a breaking point in an epic battle for survival.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director J.C. Chandor Release Date March 13, 2019 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Mark Boal , J.C. Chandor Cast Adria Arjona , Christine Horn , Oscar Isaac , Pedro Pascal , Reynaldo Gallegos , Ben Affleck , Sheila Vand , Juan Camilo Castillo , Charlie Hunnam , Garrett Hedlund Runtime 125 minutes Budget $115 million Expand
Everything Frankie does in this movie, like his fellow friends, is because he’s driven by one clear motive: to provide for his newborn baby, and the mother. In the midst of this, Frankie focuses his protective fatherly senses on his friends, which drives him to say and do some questionable things near the end of the movie when their survival begins to look bleak. Regardless, Frankie never actively puts his little family at risk, even if he does risk himself in the process. This also earns Frankie an average spot on the list, with other fathers certainly having him beat.
5 Oberyn Martell
Game of Thrones (2014)
Close
Though, again, Oberyn is never actually seen with his children in Game of Thrones, the dialogue and the story infer enough about who he is as a father. His protectiveness and his feelings about his sister are enough to prove that; there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his eight daughters, especially if they were to suffer a fate as cruel as his sister’s. Oberyn dedicates practically every ambition he has after his sister’s death to avenging her, and though it does ultimately lead to his own fate, it proves how much he cares.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
10/10 9.4/10 Game Of Thrones DramaActionAdventureFantasy
Based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, this fantasy series follows the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and unexpected plot twists.
Where to WatchSeasonAllSeason 1Season 2Season 3Season 4Season 5Season 6Season 7Season 8
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Cast Kit Harington , Isaac Hempstead Wright , Iain Glen , Peter Dinklage , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Emilia Clarke , Maisie Williams , Sophie Turner , John Bradley , Lena Headey , Liam Cunningham , Aidan Gillen , Alfie Allen , Conleth Hill , Rory McCann , Jerome Flynn , Jacob Anderson , Kristofer Hivju , Gwendoline Christie , Nathalie Emmanuel , Carice Van Houten , Natalie Dormer , Stephen Dillane , Charles Dance , Charlotte Hope , Michelle Fairley , Jack Gleeson , Richard Madden , Hannah Murray , Sibel Kekilli , Julian Glover , Brenock O’Connor , Rose Leslie , Michael McElhatton Release Date April 17, 2011 Seasons 8 Streaming Service(s) HBO Max Franchise(s) Game of Thrones Writers D.B. Weiss , George R.R. Martin , David Benioff Directors David Nutter , Alan Taylor , D.B. Weiss , David Benioff Showrunner David Benioff , D.B. Weiss Expand
Unfortunately, Oberyn’s quest for revenge on his sister’s behalf does leave his eight daughters fatherless. This is a major tragedy in and of itself, especially since Oberyn had his opponent beaten before his thirst for vengeance made him vulnerable to defeat. Oberyn seeking justice for his sister is noble, and it’s a very understandable perspective, but the fact it had to come at the cost of his life proves that it did, in a way, overshadow his own children. Still, he was said to be a good father despite this, which sets him at an average spot on this list.
4 Marcus Moreno
We Can Be Heroes (2020)
Close
It certainly should be the case that Pascal’s fatherly role in a children’s movie portrays him as a truly loving and caring father, and that’s exactly what Marcus Moreno does. Following the passing of his daughter’s mother, Marcus makes a promise to his daughter that he’ll step away from his superhero life for good, in the interest of keeping himself safe so that she doesn’t risk losing him, too. When aliens attack their world, however, Marcus has no choice but to launch into action, something he does regretfully. He, and all the other superhero parents, end up captured.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
We Can Be Heroes PGDramaFantasyActionFamilyComedy
Robert Rodriguez, director of Spy Kids and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, returns for We Can Be Heroes is a superhero movie that follows a young girl named Missy Moreno. After alien invaders kidnap her parents and other heroes, Missy must lead a group of other child superheroes to save them all and live up to their legacy.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Robert Rodriguez Release Date December 25, 2020 Studio(s) Netflix Distributor(s) Netflix Writers Robert Rodriguez Cast Pedro Pascal , Taylor Dooley , Priyanka Chopra , YaYa Gosselin , Boyd Holbrook , Christian Slater Runtime 100 minutes prequel(s) The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl Budget $20 million Expand
This leaves his daughter, Missy (YaYa Gosselin), to lead the group of superhero children to safety as they seek to free their parents. Though concerned, Marcus quietly roots for her the entire time, despite the fact Missy is the only one of them who wields no power. Once Missy’s leadership and selflessness help the children to save the day, Marcus reassures her that these qualities are her true powers, making for a beautifully heartwarming moment between the two. Marcus truly does act like a good father, which sets him just outside the top three on this list.
3 Fink The Fox
The Wild Robot (2024)
Close
This animated feature sees Pascal’s character, Fink the fox, develop from a lonesome survivor to a caring father figure and a true friend. Fink, pretending to be reluctant, helps the robot ROZZUM “Roz” 7134 (Lupita Nyong’o) raise her gosling, Brightbill (Kit Connor), who imprints himself on her after an accident that saw her destroy the rest of the gosling’s family. Fink becomes an important part of Roz and Brightbill’s relationship by helping to guide Roz through Brightbill’s upbringing, and he also becomes very protective of Brightbill, even once threatening to eat other animals to defend him.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
8/10 9.4/10 The Wild Robot PGAnimationDrama Sci-Fi
The Wild Robot is an animated drama film based on a series of books by Peter Brown. The adaptation is written and directed by Chris Sanders and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Catherine O’Hara. The Wild Robot centers on a robot named Rozzum 7134, who becomes stranded on a deserted island and the guardian of a young orphan.
Director Chris Sanders Release Date September 27, 2024 Studio(s) Dreamworks Distributor(s) Universal Studios Writers Chris Sanders , Peter Brown Cast Lupita Nyong’o , Pedro Pascal , Catherine O’Hara , Bill Nighy , Kit Connor , Stephanie Hsu , Mark Hamill , Matt Berry , Ving Rhames Runtime 101 Minutes Main Genre Animation Expand
Though Fink still struggles with his nature to hold grudges against certain animals and pursue those who are below him in the food chain, his relationship with Brightbill and Roz truly transforms him. Fink has no desire to eat or hurt Brightbill after Roz has made a shelter for all of them to share, instead focusing on Brightbill’s wellbeing as they prepare him to migrate. Fink still maintains his characteristic mischief, but he also still puts Brightbill first, doing whatever he can to help him. This has become one of Pascal’s most endearing dad roles, beaten by only two others.
2 Joel Miller
The Last of Us (2023-Present)
Close
As perhaps one of the most famous reluctant dad roles in history, Pascal’s portrayal of Joel Miller in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us adds a tenderness to Joel that isn’t necessarily present in the video game. Joel, whose daughter Sarah (Nico Parker) was killed by soldiers the day the Cordyceps outbreak started its takeover, is tasked with getting a young, immune girl named Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) across the country to find a cure for the infection. This demanding journey brings the two together, causing Joel to care for her like he did his own daughter.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
8/10 9.1/10 The Last Of Us DramaHorrorAdventure Sci-FiThrillerAction
The Last Of Us is a television adaptation of the acclaimed video game, set in a post-apocalyptic world where a smuggler named Joel (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), across the ravaged United States. Along their journey, they must confront various threats from both infected creatures and hostile human factions. The show is produced by HBO and created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
Where to WatchSeasonAllSeason 1
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Cast Pedro Pascal , Bella Ramsey , Anna Torv , lamar johnson , Jeffrey Pierce , Keivonn Woodard , John Getz , Olivier Ross-Parent , Samuel Hoeksema , Gabriel Luna , Merle Dandridge , Nico Parker , Melanie Lynskey , John Hannah , Josh Brener , Christopher Heyerdahl , Brad Leland , Marcia Bennett , Brendan Fletcher , Jerry Wasserman , Wendy Gorling , Jessica Belbin , Haysam Kadri , Sarah Himadeh , Caitlin Howden , Max Montesi , Natasha Mumba , Gina Louise Phillips , Taylor St. Pierre , Ryan D. Clarke , Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah , Logan Pierce Character(s) Joel Miller , Ellie Williams , Tess , Henry Burrell , Perry , Sam Burrell , Dr. Edelstein , Clicker , Museum Clicker , Tommy Miller , Marlene , Sarah Miller , Kathleen Coghlan , Dr. Newman – Scientist #2 , Murray , Dr. Schoenheiss , Mr. Adler , Mrs. Adler , Robert , Abe , Nana , Mrs. Lauterstein , Nasir , Tahira , Denise , Lee , Kim , Medic , Buzzcut , Soldier , Kind FEDRA Soldier , The Boy Release Date January 15, 2023 Seasons 1 Network HBO Max Streaming Service(s) HBO Max Franchise(s) The Last of Us Writers Neil Druckmann , Craig Mazin Directors Craig Mazin Showrunner Craig Mazin Main Genre Horror Expand
Their relationship is far from perfect, especially with Joel’s concerns about his ability to protect Ellie constantly affecting him, but it develops into a beautiful dynamic by the time The Last of Us’ season 1 ending arrives. Unfortunately, there’s a shadow looming over this relationship now; Joel has lied to Ellie about what he did at the hospital after he killed the Fireflies to keep them from taking her life to attempt making a cure. When this breaks, their relationship could fracture, but even that act proves Joel’s true care for Ellie. Only one other role bests this one.
1 Din Djarin
The Mandalorian (2019-Present)
Close
It’s impossible to give the top spot to anybody other than Din Djarin, the titular character of The Mandalorian who has dedicated his entire life to keeping his foundling, a “Baby Yoda” named Grogu, safe. As a bounty hunter, Din is originally tasked with capturing Grogu, but his heart begins to change when he realizes that Grogu is just a child. Din, who lost his parents at a young age before being taken in by the Mandalorians, decides to go against the Bounty Hunters’ Guild and go on the run with Grogu – an act that very quickly changes his entire life.
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
8/10 8.7/10 The Mandalorian Fantasy Sci-Fi
The Mandalorian is set after the Empire’s fall and before the First Order’s emergence in the ever-growing Star Wars universe. The series follows the travails of a lone gunfighter named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. Acting as the first live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian has become incredibly popular on Disney+, partly due to Mando’s relationship with Grogu, which the internet dubbed “Baby Yoda” upon his introduction in season 1.
Where to WatchSeasonAllSeason 1Season 2Season 3
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Cast Werner Herzog , Emily Swallow , Pedro Pascal , Katee Sackhoff , Giancarlo Esposito , Omid Abtahi , Carl Weathers , Gina Carano , Nick Nolte Release Date November 12, 2019 Seasons 3 Streaming Service(s) Disney+ Franchise(s) Star Wars Writers Jon Favreau Directors Jon Favreau , Taika Waititi , Bryce Dallas Howard Showrunner Jon Favreau Expand
Now, three seasons of The Mandalorian later, Din has proven time and time again that there’s nothing he won’t do for Grogu. Din breaks his Mandalorian Creed, which made him vow to never remove his helmet in front of other living things, on two different occasions just to protect Grogu. Right after that, Din lets Grogu go with the Jedi Luke Skywalker, enduring the heartbreak to ensure that Grogu’s needs are being met. Thankfully, the pair have since reunited, and Din has officially adopted Grogu as his own – cementing his place as Pedro Pascal’s best dad role.
Pedro Pascal
Discover the latest news and filmography for Pedro Pascal, known for The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones.
Birthdate April 2, 1975 Birthplace Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile Height 5 feet 11 inches Notable Projects The Last Of Us , The Mandalorian , Narcos , The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent , Game Of Thrones , Gladiator II , The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) Professions Actor , Voice Actor