Robert Downey Jr., known for his role as Iron Man and now preparing to portray Doctor Doom, has recently commented on Pedro Pascal's trajectory in Hollywood. In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Downey Jr. expressed his admiration for Pascal, whose rise to prominence he sees as a reaffirmation of the entertainment industry's values.

Downey Jr. stated, "Pascal's slow trajectory to becoming a household name who is on a wildly hot streak kind of reaffirms my faith in our industry.” He emphasized the authenticity of Pascal's journey in an industry often driven by instant viral success. Pascal, who gained international recognition through his leading roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, is now set to play Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The two actors are currently working together on Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Downey Jr. has been hosting "homework days" at his home, fostering camaraderie among the cast as they prepare for major scenes.

Pascal has acknowledged facing criticism regarding his casting as Mr. Fantastic, with some fans questioning his age and appearance. He recounted hearing complaints such as, "He's too old. He's not right. He needs to shave." However, he credits Downey Jr.'s support for helping him remain committed to the role. Pascal expressed gratitude for Downey Jr.'s mentorship, stating that the veteran actor's generosity and welcoming nature allowed him to feel comfortable, even amidst industry skepticism. "He's just so immediately generous and inviting that you feel like you can be afraid, you can be hungry, you can be ambivalent," Pascal said.

Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm in Fantastic Four: First Steps, echoed this sentiment, noting Pascal's openness and trustworthiness. She added, "He doesn't have much armor, so he shows himself to you straight away, and you trust that person because he's revealing himself to you in this very brave way."

Pascal's journey to becoming a household name has been marked by perseverance and versatility. After nearly two decades of smaller roles in theater and television, he had his breakout role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones in 2014. He further gained prominence for his portrayal of Javier Peña in the Netflix series Narcos (2015–2017). His leading roles as Din Djarin in The Mandalorian (2019–2023) and Joel Miller in The Last of Us (2023–present) cemented his status as a major star.

Pascal's upcoming projects include Materialists (June 13, 2025), Eddington (July 18, 2025), The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 25, 2025), Avengers: Doomsday (May 1, 2026), and The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22, 2026).

Downey Jr.'s praise for Pascal highlights the latter's dedication and talent, traits that have resonated with audiences and industry peers alike. The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is set to merge the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and New Avengers as they confront Doctor Doom, portrayed by Downey Jr., promising an epic clash between the two actors.