Sometimes, much more than it might seem at first glance, when writing a script it is practically impossible to put the characters on the face of the interpreter who, ideally, would bring them to life on the big or small screen. For many, this comes down to nothing more than daydreaming; others like Pedro Almodóvar can make it a reality.
From King Lear to the Manchego western
As the man from La Mancha told Fotogramas before his trip to the Cannes Film Festival to present his short film ‘Extraña forma de vida’, it was clear to him who would be in charge of interpreting his leading cowboy duo, and he even went so far as to skip the protocol to get them to board.
“I immediately thought of Pedro Pascal for Silva and Ethan Hawke for the sheriff. I skipped his agents and they both said yes, enthusiastically, as soon as they read the script ”.
Of course, during the conversation that giant elephant in the room that has been ‘The Last of Us’ could not be avoided. But the peak of Pedro Pascal’s cathodic career to date, nor his roles in the ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Game of Thrones’ universes, have not been what made Almodóvar think of him for the role.
“He had an important role in Glenda Jackson’s return to Broadway at the age of 84 doing Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’. I also know him through Miguel Ángel Silvestre, who sent me videos with him when they were recording ‘Narcos’”.
Now, what does Calzada de Calatrava think of the adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game for HBO? Our most international Pedro is not particularly enthusiastic, but he underscores the magnificent work of both his collaborator and a Bella Ramsey who continues to surprise locals and strangers.
“I’ve seen her, yes. I am very happy with the success that Pedro has had, both with this and with ‘The Mandalorian’, but it doesn’t seem like a great series to me. I’m not interested in video games and I find it very difficult to give depth to that narrative. Of course, both Pascal and Bella Ramsey, for whom a radiant future awaits because she is very good, are fantastic because they defend something based on physical aplomb. Still, I will watch the second season.”
As the paths of the second season follow those of the original material, I suggest that Mr. Almodóvar sit down and have a glass of cold water handy just in case.
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