In this lesson, we’re going to look at extracts from a magazine on Pedro Pascal and his acting roles. The type of language is vibrant, playful and conversational!
Pedro Pascal is everywhere right now – and honestly, would we have it any other way?
Wherever you turn, that handsome rascal is flashing his wicked grin, dropping flirty one-liners and reminding us all why he’s Hollywood’s reigning heart-throb.
This issue is our love letter to Pedro: a feast of features celebrating his most thrilling roles, cheeky behind-the-scenes secrets and the funniest moments that made us laugh till we cried.
So sit back, pour yourself something fancy and bask in the Pascal glow. You’ve earned it.
Matching Exercise:
Match the expressions on the left with the definitions on the right
|
1. that handsome rascal |
a. to behave in a cheeky or playful way |
|
2. flashing his wicked grin |
b. to relax and enjoy something pleasant |
|
3. dropping flirty one-liners |
c. poured a luxurious or indulgent drink for oneself |
|
4. sit back and bask in |
d. to smile mischievously |
|
5. poured himself something fancy |
e. humorous or slightly naughty comment |
Answers
- a 2. d 3. e 4. b 5. c
🎙️ Podcast Title: ScreenTalk Weekly
🎧 Episode: “Pedro Pascal: Internet Daddy or Acting Genius?”
Task: Read the transcript of the podcast aloud where the hosts, Jerry and Lexi, discuss Pedro Pascal and study the vocabulary.
LEXI:
Hey everyone, welcome back to ScreenTalk Weekly! I’m Lexi, and today I’m joined by Jerry, who—get this—apparently doesn’t know much about Pedro Pascal.
JERRY:
Yeah, uh, guilty as charged. I mean, I’ve heard the name a million times. The internet seems obsessed with the guy, but I never quite understood why. Isn’t he just… like, another action guy?
LEXI:
Another action guy? Excuse me? That’s basically blasphemy in my book. Pedro Pascal is a phenomenon.
JERRY:
Right, see, that’s the part I don’t get. People call him “The Internet’s Daddy,” which—let’s be honest—sounds kind of weird.
LEXI:
laughs It started out as a meme, but it stuck because he just exudes warmth and charm. He’s got this disarming mix of intensity and gentleness—rare combo in Hollywood.
JERRY:
Okay, but what’s he actually done? Like, I know he’s in The Mandalorian, right?
LEXI:
That’s one of his biggest roles, yeah. He plays Din Djarin, the Mandalorian himself. The funny part is, half the time you don’t even see his face, but he still manages to give such a grounded, emotional performance. That’s talent.
JERRY:
So he’s just a guy in armor?
LEXI:
laughing You’re missing the point. It’s all in his voice and physicality. Fans joke that he can convey heartbreak through a helmet tilt. That’s how expressive he is.
JERRY:
Alright, that’s impressive. What else has he done?
LEXI:
Oh, where do I start? He was Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones—Season 4. He only had, what, seven episodes? But he left such a mark that people still talk about him a decade later.
JERRY:
Is that the guy who got his head—uh—squished?
LEXI:
Yes! The Mountain and the Viper. Traumatic episode. Fans were devastated. But that performance basically launched him into stardom. He brought this perfect mix of sensuality, arrogance, and righteousness to Oberyn.
JERRY:
Alright, so Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian—that’s a pretty solid résumé.
LEXI:
Oh, we’re just getting started. He was also Javier Peña in Narcos, the DEA agent hunting Pablo Escobar. Totally different vibe—gritty, morally conflicted, but magnetic. Then there’s The Last of Us—that’s his latest mega-hit.
JERRY:
Right, the zombie show. I’ve seen clips of that one.
LEXI:
It’s not just a zombie show! The Last of Us is a masterpiece of storytelling. Pedro plays Joel—a man broken by loss, who finds a kind of redemption through his bond with Ellie. It’s honestly some of his best acting. Episode 3 and Episode 8? Absolute emotional gut punches.
JERRY:
So he’s got range, I’ll give him that.
LEXI:
Exactly! And off-screen, he’s so grounded. He always uplifts his co-stars—Bella Ramsey, Oscar Isaac, Sarah Paulson—they all adore him. Fans love that he’s openly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights and constantly pokes fun at his own “Daddy” status.
JERRY:
laughs So he’s self-aware, at least.
LEXI:
Completely. He even joked at a red carpet interview that he doesn’t mind being called “Daddy,” as long as it comes from a place of affection. I mean, who else could pull that off without sounding cringe?
JERRY:
Alright, you’ve sold me a bit. But do you think he’s, like, overhyped? Everyone online treats him like a living saint.
LEXI:
I get that sentiment, but honestly, the hype’s justified. He’s one of those rare actors who can carry a franchise, charm the press, and still feel authentic. It’s not just performance—it’s presence.
JERRY:
Fair enough. I’ll admit, I might’ve underestimated him. Maybe I’ll check out The Last of Us—see what all the fuss is about.
LEXI:
Please do. And prepare to cry.
JERRY:
That’s a warning, isn’t it?
LEXI:
laughs 100%. Pedro Pascal will emotionally wreck you—in the best way possible.
[Outro music fades in]
LEXI (continuing):
That’s all for this week’s ScreenTalk Weekly! Don’t forget to subscribe and tell us your favorite Pedro Pascal moment. I’m Lexi—
JERRY:
—and I’m Jerry, the newly converted fan.
LEXI:
Welcome to the cult.
🗝️ Vocabulary Key (C1–C2)
- Obsessed – Extremely focused on or fascinated by something.
- Blasphemy – Something shocking or offensive to someone’s strong beliefs (used humorously here).
- Phenomenon – A person or thing that is truly remarkable or extraordinary.
- Exudes – Naturally gives off or shows a strong feeling or quality.
- Disarming – Making someone feel relaxed or less defensive through charm or honesty.
- Combo – Informal for “combination”; a mix of things that go well together.
- Grounded – Realistic, calm, and emotionally stable.
- Physicality – The way someone uses their body to express emotions or character.
- Traumatic – Emotionally shocking or distressing.
- Devastated – Extremely upset or emotionally destroyed.
- Launched into stardom – Made someone famous very quickly.
- Sensuality – Expressing deep physical or emotional appeal.
- Gritty – Tough, realistic, and unpolished in style or tone.
- Morally conflicted – Struggling between what’s right and wrong.
- Magnetic – Very attractive or captivating in personality or presence.
- Mega-hit – Something extremely popular and successful.
- Masterpiece – A work of outstanding skill or excellence.
- Redemption – Regaining something good or valuable after failure or loss.
- Emotional gut punch – A scene or story that hits the viewer deeply and powerfully.
- Uplifts – Inspires or encourages others.
- Supportive – Offering help, encouragement, or understanding.
- Pokes fun at – Jokes about something lightly and humorously.
- Pull that off – Successfully do something difficult or daring.
- Cringe – Embarrassing or awkward.
- Overhyped – Given too much attention or praise compared to what it deserves.
- Justified – Having a good or reasonable explanation.
- Carry a franchise – Be the main reason a show or film series succeeds.
- Authentic – Genuine, real, and sincere.
- Underestimated – Believed to be less capable or talented than reality.
- Emotionally wreck you – Make you feel strong emotions, usually sadness or empathy.
Pedro’s Roles
Task: Read the text below, study the vocabulary and answer the comprehension and discussion questions.
VOCAB: Newcomer: New person Turning point: Decisive change Residual cheques: Rerun royalties Keep afloat: Survive financially Penchant: Strong liking
VOCAB: Gouged out: Forcibly removed (esp. eyes) Pop up: Appear suddenly Severed: Cut off completely Honourable mention: Recognition short of a prize
VOCAB: Meets his end: Dies Overthrow: Depose forcefully Thrust into: Pushed suddenly into Eagerly-awaited: Highly anticipated Fretted: Worried anxiously The gist: Main idea Turned out: Resulted; appeared
VOCAB: Wannabe: Aspiring imitator Revived: Brought back to life/activity
VOCAB: Dreading: Fearing greatly Sobbed my little heart out: Cried intensely Met his demise: Died Kill off: Eliminate completely Reeling: Stunned/shocked Brutal: Cruel/violent Vengeful: Seeking revenge Pummels: Beats repeatedly
VOCAB: Quipped: Made a witty remark Met his maker: Died Goriest: Most bloody/gruesome Crushed in: Smashed inward Blazing: Burning fiercely
💡Comprehension Questions:
- In Drive-Away Dolls, how does Pedro Pascal’s character Santos meet his end?
- What concern did fans have when they saw Pedro Pascal entering another arena in Gladiator II?
- What personal comment did Pedro Pascal make to Oscar Isaac about his acting career that became ironic considering his many on-screen deaths?
- How did appearing on Buffy the Vampire Slayer help Pedro Pascal early in his career?
Answers
1)Which TV show marked one of Pedro Pascal’s earliest roles, where he played a character named Eddie who turns into a vampire?
→ Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2) In Drive-Away Dolls, how does Pedro Pascal’s character Santos meet his end?
→ He’s killed with a corkscrew to the neck and has his eyes gouged out by an assassin.
3) What happens to General Acacius at the end of Gladiator II?
→ He’s shot in the back and chest with arrows by Roman soldiers after refusing to fight Lucius.
4) Which Game of Thrones character kills Oberyn Martell, and how does the fight end?
→ Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane kills him by gouging out his eyes and crushing his head.
5) In Kingsman: The Golden Circle, what gruesome fate does Agent Whiskey suffer during his final fight?
→ He’s thrown into a meat grinder after being shot in the head earlier in the movie.
6) How does Joel, Pedro Pascal’s character in The Last of Us, die in season two?
→ He’s shot in the leg, beaten with a golf club, and stabbed in the neck by Abby.
7) What concern did fans have when they saw Pedro Pascal entering another arena in Gladiator II?
→ They worried because he wasn’t wearing a helmet — a nod to his Game of Thrones death.
8) What personal comment did Pedro Pascal make to Oscar Isaac about his acting career that became ironic considering his many on-screen deaths?
→ He said, “I die a lot,” to which Oscar Isaac replied, “And you do it so well.”
9) How did appearing on Buffy the Vampire Slayer help Pedro Pascal early in his career?
→ The residual cheques from the role helped him financially when he was struggling.
10) Across these roles, what pattern or theme can you spot about the kinds of deaths Pedro Pascal’s characters tend to have?
→ They’re often violent, dramatic, and memorable — usually involving betrayal, combat, or brutal injury.
💬 Discussion Questions
- What qualities or traits do you think make Pedro Pascal such a popular actor across so many genres — from fantasy to action to drama?
- Why do you think audiences connect so strongly with his characters, even when they have tragic storylines?
- What do these examples tell us about how an actor’s career can evolve over time?
- If you could cast Pedro Pascal in any kind of role he hasn’t done yet, what would it be — and why?
