The Pascal Pulse - Issue #28

As we open the first issue of the year, we wanted to begin with intention and care. A new year invites reflection, and lately we have been reminded of how quickly our digital world is shifting and how much more complicated it has become to tell what is real and what is not. A recent image shared online of someone appearing alongside Pedro gave many of us pause, underscoring just how convincing AI has become and how easily even thoughtful fans can be misled.

With that in mind, it felt important to pause together and talk about responsibility, awareness, and how we can continue to look out for one another as this technology evolves. Conversations around AI continue to highlight how quickly it is reshaping the way images and identities are used online. AI generated photos in particular have become increasingly convincing, and when images are created or shared in ways that blur reality, especially at scale, it becomes harder to separate what is real from what is fabricated. And let’s be honest, many of us have been fooled by AI images before. We are willing to bet it happens more often than anyone would like to admit, so none of us are immune.

Early on, many of us did not fully understand how these tools worked and used them thinking it was harmless fun. As the technology has evolved, it has become clearer that uploading photos of Pedro into AI tools can actively feed and strengthen systems that replicate his likeness without his involvement. This is a fast moving learning curve for all of us. This is not about calling anyone out. Fan spaces have always navigated complicated territory around images and sharing, and AI introduces a new level of fabrication and scale that asks us to pause more often and be thoughtful about what we amplify or upload.

AI chatbots raise similar concerns. They are not the same as fanfiction. Fanfiction is human created and clearly fictional. It does not present itself as real or learn from readers. AI systems, by contrast, are built by scraping real interviews and content, then simulate interaction and learn from what users share, expanding digital versions of real people that were never asked to participate. These issues are now being reflected more publicly. Disney recently issued a cease and desist to Character.AI over the unauthorized use of its characters, citing harm and misuse. While centered on corporate intellectual property, the case mirrors broader questions about responsibility as AI continues to evolve.

There is also a mental health component that cannot be ignored. AI images and interactions can blur reality, deepen parasocial attachment, and quietly pull people into experiences that feel personal but are not real, which can be unhealthy over time. As a community, we want to stay grounded, protect our mental well being, and keep our fandom spaces rooted in respect and authenticity.

Our favorite film dork was right where he belongs earlier this week, visiting the JAWS: The 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles with family. A perfect blend of movie history and pure enthusiasm, Pedro shared a video and photos from the visit via his Instagram Stories, reminding us once again that his love for film is very real, very sincere, and forever endearing.

Pedro popped up at the gym on Monday the 29th, technically to work out but let’s be honest, we suspect the real motivation was visiting Stevie, Jason’s dog, for some affection. The workout did, in fact, happen and it shows. He’s clearly keeping up with it because those arms are looking amazing. And a thank you is apparently in order to Jason and the Rise 311 protein drink, because the results are doing most of the talking. The Portishead sweatshirt draped over those broad shoulders, however, was doing absolutely no favors to anyone’s composure. 💜

🔗 Photos Here

Pedro will co-host Artists for Aid alongside Bella Hadid on January 10 in Los Angeles, a live benefit event bringing music, art, and community together in support of urgent humanitarian relief. All proceeds from the evening will be split equally between the Sudanese American Physicians Association and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. With an incredible lineup of artists and a mission rooted in care and solidarity, the night is a powerful reminder of how creativity can be used to show up for people when it matters most.

We got a photo of Pedro with 2025 Latin Grammy nominee and composer Pedro Osuna, whose work on Argentina, 1985 earned him well-deserved recognition. Based on timing, this photo was likely taken sometime in late August or early September, as it appears to be from the same day we also got the selfie with Danny Ramirez and you can even spot Danny sitting in the background here.

Our working theory is that this moment was connected to Behemoth!, with Danny visiting Pedro during that period. It feels a bit too early for any score-related work tied to De Noche, so for now, Behemoth! seems the most likely backdrop for this creative crossover.

A throwback from Cannes made the rounds this week, capturing Pedro in one of those perfectly imperfect moments, energy fully charming, and looking effortlessly at home amid the festival bustle. Sometimes the candid moments really do say it all. Cannes throwback photos by Jeremy Jakubowicz.

Another resurfaced gem took us back to Pedro’s August appearance on Fresh Air, featuring a behind the scenes moment with his cello in hand. Even then, he was already preparing for Behemoth!, traveling with his instrument as part of that early groundwork. Relaxed, playful, and unmistakably him, and yes, there was even a visible shirt stain, which absolutely made Mel’s day. The interview itself is a truly wonderful listen and well worth revisiting.

🎧 Listen here 📸 Photo via: tonyatalks on Instagram

2026 is already shaping up to be a year full of things to look forward to. The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026, with Avengers: Doomsday following later in the year on December 18, 2026. Alongside those releases, two additional projects are generating excitement, Behemoth!, which is close to post-production, and De Noche, which is expected to begin filming any day now, making it clear that the year ahead is already lining up to be something special.

Behemoth!, written and directed by Tony Gilroy, is a deeply personal, character-driven drama now nearing post-production. Pedro stars as Alex Serian, a cellist and film composer returning to Los Angeles and reckoning with the emotional and creative fallout of his past. Told through flashbacks and rooted in the world of movie music and its makers, the film has been described as a “love letter to the music of the movies.” With an ensemble cast that includes David Harbour, Eva Victor, Olivia Wilde, and Matthew Lillard, Behemoth! is shaping up to be one of those quieter projects that resonates long after viewing.

Release date: unknown

Meanwhile, De Noche is poised to move into active production, with filming expected to begin in January 2026 in Mexico. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film pairs Pedro opposite Danny Ramirez in a moody, noir-tinged gay romance set in 1930s Los Angeles. The story follows a corrupt police officer and his younger lover as they flee to Mexico, blending danger, intimacy, and emotional tension. Produced by Killer Films and backed by sales agent M2K Film, De Noche has already secured international distribution ahead of filming, an early sign of confidence in what promises to be a striking, slow-burn period romance.

Release date: unknown

As always, this section is strictly rumors, unconfirmed chatter meant to be taken lightly. We don’t have verified sources on any of this, but with May approaching fast, it does feel like promo season for The Mandalorian & Grogu may be gearing up. One rumor floating around suggests a movie tie-in McDonalds Happy Meal themed around The Mandalorian & Grogu arriving in May. No details yet on the toy (or whether there’s anything exclusive involved), but if Grogu shows up in a kids’ meal box, the internet may never recover.

The second rumor making the rounds? A fourth Avengers: Doomsday trailer. The whispers say it includes a moment between Mr. Fantastic and a certain red-suited, fourth-wall-breaking fan favorite that gets very close, close enough to involve an unexpected squeeze that fans will lose their minds over. Is it real? Who knows. Are we hoping it is? Absolutely.

Because a fresh year looks very different depending on which Pedro Pascal man is attempting it.

Reality: His last therapist won’t speak to him anymore, so Joel decides he gave it an honest attempt. Counts not storming out as progress and welcomes the New Year by doing what he does best, keeping everyone else alive while ignoring his own emotional growth.

Reality: Drinks more water, promises to rest, and actually books a vacation but reminds everyone not to spend the money before you have it. Tries very hard not to cave to peer pressure because experience has taught him it never ends well. Still checks weather patterns, airspace, and exits everywhere he goes. Progress is relative.

Reality: Swears this next job is the last one, packs for a quiet family weekend by the lake, and still brings three burner phones just in case. The kids love the cabin, his wife actually relaxes, and for a minute Dave lets himself believe this is the life. He still checks the tree line before bed.

Reality: Upgrades his armor, tunes the ship, and adds exactly one extra nap to the schedule. Continues to center his entire existence around the kid. This is the Way.

Reality: Starts several new ventures, rebrands twice, buys a motivational planner, and keeps saying big things are coming. It is not his weekend with Alistair, but he channels that energy into relentless optimism.

Reality: Launches a carefully curated image refresh, schedules community moments, and practices laughing naturally in the mirror. Says he’s listening. Listens selectively.

Reality: Reads one philosophy book, refines his skincare routine, mentors someone younger, and remains effortlessly charming. Emotional availability is very in this year and he knows it.

Reality: Wakes up on January 2 wearing sunglasses indoors, convinced it’s still October. Starts three self-care routines at once, abandons all of them by lunch, loses his phone, finds it in the freezer, and declares time a social construct. Announces he’s doing a rebirth year, immediately takes a nap, and never follows up.

Reality: Continues surviving through instinct, luck, and questionable decisions. Does not believe in resolutions. Does believe in taking opportunities when they present themselves.

Reality: Announces a color coded system to prioritize family time, lab time, and world saving. Immediately forgets to eat, sleep, or stop explaining quantum theory at dinner. Genuinely means well, stretches himself too thin in every possible sense, and insists the math says this year will be different.

✨ New year, same men. Slightly better intentions. Questionable follow-through.

If you love expressive pencil work that feels intimate, cinematic, and deeply human, @ilustradoramente is an account to linger on. Artist Bruna Ongaro brings Pedro to life through graphite, charcoal, and mixed media sketches that capture more than likeness, they capture mood.

Her portraits balance softness and intensity: quiet side glances, furrowed brows, half-smiles, and moments that feel caught between breaths. Whether it’s a contemplative sketch, a playful exaggerated expression, or a fully realized scene inspired by roles like Narcos, Freaky Tales or imagined moments from Behemoth!, her work always carries emotion first.

There’s also something joyful and fearless about her process. Bruna shares her art openly, sketches often, experiments freely, and draws from the heart, as a reminder that fandom art can be both personal and powerful. Her page is a true safe space: warm, creative, and fueled by genuine love for the craft.

Follow @ilustradoramente for art that feels like a conversation, not just a portrait.💜

Thank you, Gary Baseman, for illustrating you meeting with Pedro! We love your style so much.

Just because it’s January doesn’t mean it’s too late to snag the perfect 2026 Pedro Pascal wall calendar.

Whether you’re planning cozy winter days, marking birthdays, or just need more of Pedro in your life, these fan-crafted calendars are peak nerd joy and totally worth it:

PEDRILOVE A3 Wall Calendar 2026 - ArtByGermania

North’s Pedro PasCalendar 2026 – NorthTheLemon

North's TLOU Calendar 2026 (Joelendar) – NorthTheLemon

2026 Calendar Pedro Pascal – AlekskawaiArt

Pedro Pascalendar 2026 – Crafting with Amy C

A Year of Pedritos: 2026 Calendar (US & CA) (International Only) - alyssamariag

Pedro Pascal Collage Calendar (US Only) (Everywhere Else)– instantanya

2026 Pedro Pascal Themed Calendar (EU & Rest of World) (US & CA) – jaysdrawingz

Created by Fans, for Fans

Maiev @LittleMrsMorales & Mel @StainsOfPascal & Jackie 💜

Special Thanks:

To Pedro - thank you for proving that sometimes, society does make the right person famous. Thank you for standing beside those who feel unseen, unheard, and uncertain of their place in the world. You remind us that visibility can be an act of grace.

To our readers - thank you for filling our inbox, our hearts, and this tiny corner of the internet with your brilliance. You turn a project into a community.

See you in the next issue!
Remember: you’re not too much.
You’re exactly the right amount of obsessed.
Until next time