Pedro Pascal: Throwing it back to his breakout role before his current box-office fame

Before Pedro Pascal was cast as the MCU’s new Reed Richards, he already proved he didn’t need superpowers for an out-of-this-world performance.  Netflix’s Narcos, where he plays DEA agent Javier Peña, remains one of his most raw and unforgettable roles. The show doesn’t rely on flashy visual effects, leaning on its plot and characters instead. And Pedro Pascal?  He nails the slow burn of a man under pressure!

Javier Peña isn’t your typical character. He’s strategic and constantly questioning whether justice is even possible. For this character, Pedro Pascal brought depth and tension to every scene. Instead of playing Peña like a cowboy, he makes him human, reflecting his flaws but also his relentless spirit.

pedro pascal as javier peña in narcos, 2015 pic.twitter.com/hfwbLfYsIV

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) January 31, 2025

While fans might credit Game of Thrones or The Mandalorian as the actor’s big break, Narcos was actually the series that proved he could lead a show. With an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a passionate fanbase that still re-watches the most important acts, Narcos stands tall as a Netflix classic. And guess what? Pedro Pascal is one of the biggest reasons why.