Pedro Pascal is now officially the face Marvel Studios is betting on, and Disney’s PR machine led by Robert Downey Jr. is pulling out all the stops to make sure audiences fall in line. In a new Vanity Fair cover story, the Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday actor was showered with praise by Robert Downey Jr., who stars opposite Pascal as Doctor Doom in Marvel’s next phase-defining film.
Downey, long considered the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has increasingly become a kind of emergency spokesperson for the studio’s more controversial projects.
Robert Downey Jr. at the Avengers Doomsday cast reveal – YouTube, IGN
“Pascal’s slow trajectory to becoming a household name who is on a wildly hot streak kind of reaffirms my faith in our industry,” Downey told Vanity Fair.
The two are currently filming Avengers: Doomsday at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., aiming for a December 18, 2026 release. According to the profile, Downey has been hosting “homework days” at his home, helping the cast bond and prep for major scenes. Pascal refused to elaborate on what these gatherings actually entail, responding only with a coy, “Very good question.”
Pascal’s MCU debut comes next month in Fantastic Four: First Steps, where he’ll play Reed Richards, AKA Mr. Fantastic. The backlash to his casting was immediate, with fans questioning his age, appearance, and fit for the role. Pascal himself acknowledged the wave of criticism, citing complaints that he’s “too old,” “not right,” and “needs to shave.”
Enter Marvel’s damage control—and Downey is again leading the charge.
Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
This isn’t the first time Robert Downey Jr. has been tapped as Marvel’s credibility booster. In the last week, Downey staged not one but two separate PR moments promoting the heavily criticized Ironheart Disney+ series. With audiences rejecting the show’s writing, tone, and messaging, Downey appeared on Good Morning America (a Disney owned show) in a painfully staged “surprise appearance” to praise star Dominique Thorne and express full-throated support for the project. Then, Marvel staged a PR stunt with Downey called Thorne on the phone to congratulate her on the premiere of the show.
Both moves were widely viewed as a calculated effort to resuscitate the show’s image by attaching it to the most beloved figure in MCU history.
Now Marvel is hoping Downey can work the same magic for Pedro Pascal.
Robert Downey Jr calls in to say “Iron Man loves Ironheart” – YouTube, Good Morning America
But Pascal’s public image isn’t just controversial—it’s baffling. From comic cons to social media, his behavior has repeatedly drawn scrutiny. At San Diego Comic-Con, a now-infamous clip shows him holding Vanessa Kirby’s hand and rubbing her arm in what many viewed as an overly familiar gesture that at the time was explained away as Pascal being nervous in front of a large crowd and needing physical touch support from his co-star. Kirby later tried to spin the moment as a “comforting” display of friendship and solidarity, painting herself as the one who needed the support. But the optics didn’t sit well with a portion of the fandom—especially as other criticisms mounted.
Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby – YouTube, omeleteve
Actress Dakota Johnson also shared an eyebrow-raising anecdote during a recent press tour, stating that Pascal encouraged her to start an adult subscription site and “wiggle a toe” for money. He also recently revealed that on the set he regularly steals and wears her clothes. The comments were delivered with a laugh, but many found it deeply unsettling.
On top of that, Pascal’s aggressive political rhetoric has created even more distance between him and segments of the Marvel fanbase. Most notably, he’s repeatedly cursed out conservatives and called Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling a “heinous loser” for her views on gender issues. This is despite Rowling being a survivor of personal trauma and an outspoken defender of women’s spaces. His insult drew immediate backlash, with critics accusing him of attacking someone who speaks from lived experience.
Pedro Pascal on SNL – YouTube, Saturday Night Live
So why is Marvel pushing him so hard?
Because they have no choice.
With Phase 5 and 6 in crisis after several flops, Disney needs to manufacture a new central figure for its next-generation lineup—and fast. Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday are supposed to anchor the future of the franchise. Whether the fans are onboard or not, Pascal has already been chosen. Now it’s up to Marvel and their most trusted spokesperson, Robert Downey Jr. to sell Pedro Pascal to the world.
A screenshot of Pedro Pascal dancing suggestively with a rainbow colored rod suggestively at an event – X, @pascalarchive
Whether the strategy succeeds or backfires remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Pedro Pascal PR push is real, and it’s only just beginning.
How do you feel about Robert Downey Jr’s comments on Pedro Pascal? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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