Cannes Star Pedro Pascal Reflects on Immigrant Background as Trump Policies Loom
May 17, 2025
Cannes Film Festival, France — Pedro Pascal, the acclaimed actor known for The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, delivered a powerful statement on his immigrant roots and the looming immigration policies of the second Trump administration during a press conference for his latest film, Eddington, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The Ari Aster-directed satire, which premiered to a seven-minute standing ovation on May 16, tackles themes of political division and the MAGA movement, prompting questions about America’s current political climate. Pascal’s candid remarks, rooted in his personal history as a refugee, underscored his commitment to protecting immigrants and resisting fear-driven politics.
A Personal Connection to Immigration
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Cannes Star Pedro Pascal Reflects on Immigrant Background as Trump Policies Loom
May 17, 2025
Cannes, France — At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, actor Pedro Pascal, star of the politically charged satire Eddington, spoke passionately about his immigrant background and expressed concerns over the immigration policies of the second Trump administration. During a press conference following the film’s premiere on May 16, Pascal drew on his experience as a refugee from Chile to advocate for the protection of immigrants, urging artists to resist fear-driven politics. His remarks, which drew a standing ovation, have reignited discussions about the role of Hollywood in addressing America’s deepening political divides.
A Personal Story of Refuge
Pascal, born in Chile in 1975, shared his family’s harrowing journey as refugees fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship when he was nine months old. After receiving asylum in Denmark, they resettled in the United States, where Pascal grew up. “I’m an immigrant. My parents are refugees from Chile. We fled a dictatorship, and I was privileged enough to grow up in the U.S. after asylum in Denmark,” he said. “If it weren’t for that, I don’t know what would have happened to us. I stand by those protections always.” His personal story underscored his call for policies that ensure safety and protection for immigrants, a stance he reiterated when asked about the U.S. political climate under President Donald Trump.
Eddington and the Political Context
Eddington, directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar), is a satirical drama set during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, exploring tensions between a progressive New Mexico mayor (played by Pascal) and a MAGA-aligned sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix). The film, which also stars Emma Stone and Austin Butler, critiques the polarization of American society and the influence of Trump-era politics. Aster, speaking alongside Pascal, described the film as a reflection of his “fear and anxiety about the world,” noting that it captures a society fractured by the absence of a shared reality. The film’s premiere received a seven-minute ovation, signaling its resonance with Cannes audiences.
When asked whether the film’s political themes could complicate reentry to the U.S. for its cast, Pascal responded defiantly: “Fear is the way they win. So, keep telling the stories. Keep expressing yourself and keep fighting to be who you are. F*** the people that try to make you scared. And fight back.” His remarks, met with applause, were a direct rebuke of efforts to suppress artistic expression and a call to resist intimidation.
Trump’s Immigration Policies in Focus
Pascal’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has pursued aggressive measures, including a crackdown on illegal immigration and efforts to end humanitarian protections for thousands of legal residents. The administration has called on the Supreme Court to terminate temporary legal status for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans, a move critics warn could disrupt lives and cost billions economically. High-profile deportations, such as that of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 member, have also sparked legal challenges and protests. These policies, building on Trump’s campaign promises, have deepened fears among immigrant communities and drawn condemnation from activists and celebrities alike.
Pascal, while acknowledging the complexity of speaking on such issues as an actor, emphasized his desire to “live on the right side of history.” He admitted to feeling underinformed and intimidated by the topic but stood firm in his support for immigrant protections. “I want people to be safe and protected,” he said, a sentiment echoed across social media, where fans and advocacy groups praised his courage.
Hollywood, Politics, and Backlash
Pascal’s outspokenness is not new. A vocal advocate for marginalized communities, including immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, he has previously criticized Trump’s policies, notably comparing the treatment of transgender individuals to historical injustices. His 2021 social media posts, which likened Trump supporters to Nazis, sparked controversy and calls for his firing from The Mandalorian, though no action was taken. These incidents highlight the polarized reception of Pascal’s activism, with supporters lauding his allyship and critics, including conservative figures like Donald Trump Jr., accusing him of hypocrisy or overreach.
At Cannes, Pascal’s comments also touched on broader concerns about the politicization of art. Aster expressed unease about the potential weaponization of films’ messages, citing fears that U.S. border officials could target actors for their work’s political content. Pascal’s call to “keep telling the stories” was framed as a defense of creative freedom against such pressures, aligning with recent critiques of Trump’s attacks on artists like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, whom he disparaged on Truth Social.
Public and Industry Response
Pascal’s remarks have resonated widely, particularly among immigrant and progressive communities. Posts on X praised his stance, with users like @FilmUpdates and @SeriesBrasil amplifying his message: “Pedro Pascal stands up for the protection of immigrants.” However, some, including @OliLondonTV, framed his comments as a critique of necessary deportation policies, reflecting the divisive nature of the immigration debate. The viral spread of his quotes, including a Variety clip garnering thousands of shares, underscores his influence as a Latino voice in Hollywood.
Industry peers have also rallied behind Pascal. Eddington co-star Emma Stone reportedly joined him in private discussions about the film’s themes, while director Aster praised Pascal’s ability to embody the mayor’s moral complexity. The film’s relevance, filmed during the Biden administration but released under Trump’s second term, has made it a lightning rod for both praise and scrutiny, with some conservative outlets dismissing it as “Hollywood elitism.”
Looking Ahead
As Eddington prepares for a wider release, Pascal’s comments are likely to keep immigration and artistic freedom in the spotlight. The Trump administration’s ongoing legal battles over immigration policy, coupled with its rhetoric against “woke” culture, suggest that tensions between Hollywood and the White House will persist. Pascal, who has described himself as living in “active denial” of certain career challenges, appears undeterred, using his platform to advocate for those he sees as vulnerable.
For now, Pascal’s Cannes appearance has cemented his role as a cultural and political figure, bridging his refugee past with a call for resilience in storytelling. “Don’t let them win,” he urged, a message that resonates as both a personal credo and a challenge to an industry navigating an increasingly fraught political landscape.
Sources: Fox News, Variety, The Independent, Rolling Stone, HuffPost, Hindustan Times, Time, Reddit, The Guardian, Paris Match, Latino USA, TheGamer, Metrópoles, Los Angeles Times, The US Sun, The Pink News, Yahoo, Cosmic Book News, eCartelera, National Review, ScreenGeek, CBR, Deadline, posts on X.web:0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24post:0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7