Pedro Pascal, the Chilean-American actor known for his roles in major Hollywood productions, took a bold stance against U.S. immigration policies during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking on May 17, 2025, while promoting his new film “Eddington,” directed by Ari Aster, Pascal criticized the political climate under President Donald Trump’s administration. The actor, who stars as a mayor in the A24 film set during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, expressed concern over the proposed mass deportation plans. He emphasized the importance of storytelling as a form of resistance, urging audiences not to succumb to fear.
The press conference, held on the French Riviera, drew significant attention due to Pascal’s outspoken remarks. “Eddington,” a star-studded production featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler, explores themes of societal division in a small American town. Pascal’s comments resonated with the film’s narrative, which reflects on the erosion of social cohesion during a time of crisis.
- Event location: Cannes Film Festival, May 2025.
- Film focus: “Eddington” addresses societal fractures during Covid-19.
- Key message: Pascal urges resistance through storytelling.
Immigration policy under fire
Pascal’s critique targeted the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, particularly its plan for mass deportations. The actor, whose family fled Chile’s dictatorship in the 1970s, spoke from personal experience. He recalled how his parents, refugees who sought asylum in Denmark before settling in the U.S., shaped his perspective on immigration.
His remarks highlighted the administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law recently revived to expedite deportations without judicial oversight. Pascal stressed the need for safety and protection for immigrants, drawing parallels to his family’s journey. The actor’s comments underscored the broader debate surrounding immigration in the U.S., where policies have sparked protests and legal challenges.
The Cannes platform amplified Pascal’s message, reaching a global audience. He expressed no fear of repercussions for his statements, emphasizing that fear is a tool used to silence dissent. His defiance resonated with attendees, who applauded his call to action through creative expression.
Eddington’s timely narrative
“Eddington,” directed by Ari Aster, portrays a fictional New Mexico town torn apart by conflict during the Covid-19 pandemic. The film centers on a standoff between a sheriff, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and a mayor, portrayed by Pascal. Their rivalry escalates into armed conflict, reflecting deeper societal divides.
Aster, known for films like “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” described the project as a reflection of his concerns about the U.S. He noted that the pandemic exposed a breakdown in social bonds, a theme central to the film’s narrative. The cast, which includes Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Luke Grimes, brings star power to the production, set for release later in 2025.
- Setting: Fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, during Covid-19.
- Main conflict: Sheriff versus mayor, leading to armed confrontation.
- Director’s vision: Explores the loss of social cohesion in modern America.
- Cast highlights: Features Phoenix, Stone, Butler, and others.
Pascal’s personal connection
Born in Santiago, Chile, Pascal’s early life was shaped by his family’s escape from political persecution. His parents, opponents of the Pinochet regime, fled to Denmark, where they were granted asylum. The family later relocated to the U.S., where Pascal grew up in California and Texas.
This background informed his passionate defense of immigrants. At Cannes, he shared how the opportunity to build a life in the U.S. was transformative for his family. Pascal’s story mirrors that of millions of immigrants, making his critique of current policies deeply personal. His rise to fame, with roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us,” has given him a platform to address such issues.
Pedro Pascal stands up for the protection of immigrants at Cannes film festival. pic.twitter.com/E02B2AkCSu
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 17, 2025
Trump’s immigration agenda
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have drawn widespread attention since his return to office in 2025. Central to the agenda is a plan for large-scale deportations, targeting undocumented immigrants across the U.S. The use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law originally intended for wartime, has raised concerns among activists and legal experts.
The policy allows for rapid deportations without court hearings, a move critics argue undermines due process. Protests have erupted in major cities, with advocacy groups calling for reforms to protect immigrant communities. Pascal’s comments at Cannes added a high-profile voice to the opposition, highlighting the human cost of such measures.
- Policy focus: Mass deportations using the Alien Enemies Act.
- Legal concerns: Lack of judicial oversight in deportation processes.
- Public reaction: Protests and advocacy for immigrant rights.
Ari Aster’s vision for Eddington
Aster’s direction in “Eddington” aims to capture the disorientation of the Covid-19 era. The filmmaker noted that the pandemic marked a turning point in societal trust, with divisions deepening over public health measures and political ideologies. The film’s setting, a small town unraveling under pressure, serves as a microcosm of broader national tensions.
The production, backed by A24, combines Aster’s signature psychological intensity with a sprawling ensemble cast. Scenes of neighbors turning against each other evoke real-world conflicts during the pandemic, from mask mandates to vaccine debates. Aster’s collaboration with Pascal and Phoenix marks a continuation of his work with major talents.
Cannes as a global stage
The Cannes Film Festival, held annually in France, is a premier platform for filmmakers and actors to showcase their work. In 2025, the event drew thousands of industry professionals, journalists, and fans. Pascal’s appearance, alongside his “Eddington” co-stars, generated significant buzz, with his comments dominating headlines.
The festival’s international audience provided a unique opportunity for Pascal to address U.S. policies from an outside perspective. His remarks were livestreamed on social media platforms, amplifying their reach. The event also featured screenings of “Eddington,” which received early praise for its bold narrative and performances.
Pascal’s defiance of fear
Pascal’s refusal to shy away from political commentary sets him apart in an industry often cautious about controversy. At Cannes, he dismissed concerns about potential backlash, stating that fear empowers those who seek to suppress dissent. His call to “fight back” through storytelling resonated with the film’s themes of resistance and community.
The actor’s confidence stems from his established career and global fanbase. With roles in major franchises and critical acclaim for his performances, Pascal has built a reputation as a versatile and outspoken figure. His comments reflect a broader trend of celebrities engaging with social issues, from climate change to human rights.
- Core message: Fear is a tool of oppression; storytelling is resistance.
- Career context: Pascal’s success provides a platform for advocacy.
- Industry trend: Growing celebrity involvement in social issues.
A24’s role in Eddington
A24, the independent studio behind “Eddington,” has a track record of producing provocative and critically acclaimed films. Known for titles like “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” the company has carved a niche in bold storytelling. “Eddington” aligns with this ethos, tackling complex themes through a genre-blending lens.
The studio’s involvement attracted top talent, including Pascal, Phoenix, and Stone. A24’s marketing strategy, which emphasizes artistic integrity over commercial appeal, has positioned “Eddington” as a contender for awards season. The film’s Cannes debut marked a key step in its promotional campaign.
Societal divides in the film
“Eddington” explores the breakdown of community in a time of crisis. The film’s plot, centered on a sheriff and mayor at odds, mirrors real-world tensions during the Covid-19 pandemic. From disputes over public health measures to political polarization, the era saw neighbors and families divided over deeply held beliefs.
Aster’s script draws on these dynamics, portraying a town where mistrust escalates into violence. The film’s relevance lies in its reflection of ongoing debates about unity and division in the U.S. Pascal’s role as a mayor navigating these conflicts adds depth to the narrative, showcasing his range as an actor.
Pascal’s rise to stardom
Pascal’s journey from a refugee’s son to a Hollywood star is a testament to his resilience. After moving to the U.S., he pursued acting, landing early roles in television shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” His breakout came with “Game of Thrones,” where he played Oberyn Martell, followed by starring roles in “Narcos” and “The Mandalorian.”
His versatility has made him a sought-after actor, with projects spanning genres. “Eddington” marks his first collaboration with Aster, a director known for challenging his performers. Pascal’s ability to balance mainstream success with socially conscious roles has solidified his status as a cultural figure.
- Early life: Fled Chile, grew up in Denmark and the U.S.
- Career milestones: “Game of Thrones,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Last of Us.”
- Current project: “Eddington,” a bold new role with A24.
Immigration debates intensify
The U.S. immigration debate has grown increasingly heated in 2025. Trump’s policies, including the use of the Alien Enemies Act, have sparked legal battles and public outcry. Advocacy groups argue that the measures disproportionately target vulnerable communities, while supporters claim they address border security concerns.
Pascal’s comments at Cannes reflect a broader movement of opposition, with celebrities, activists, and politicians weighing in. The actor’s personal story adds a human element to the discourse, highlighting the stakes for millions of immigrants. The debate shows no signs of slowing, with protests planned in major cities.
Eddington’s cultural relevance
“Eddington” arrives at a time when audiences are grappling with the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The film’s depiction of a fractured community resonates with viewers who experienced similar divisions. Its exploration of truth and reality, as described by Aster, taps into contemporary anxieties about misinformation and distrust.
The film’s starry cast and high-profile director ensure it will attract attention beyond Cannes. Early reviews praise its ambitious scope and emotional depth, positioning it as a potential awards contender. Pascal’s performance, in particular, has been singled out for its intensity and nuance.
