The Pascal Pulse - Issue 32

Some people are “famous.” Some people are in the bones of pop culture. Catherine O’Hara was the second kind.

On January 30, 2026, the world lost a performer who could make a single line reading feel like a full meal: sharp, weird, warm, human. Reuters and others described her as a comic legend with a career spanning SCTV, iconic films, and late-career TV greatness.

Most of us met her as the frazzled heart of Home Alone, the mom sprinting across continents on pure love and panic, but she had already been a cult favorite in Beetlejuice. She would continue to wear her cult queen crown in Christopher Guest’s cult classic mockumentaries, and then brilliantly reinvented herself again as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek - a performance that didn’t just win awards, it rewired people’s brains.

Here’s the quiet mic-drop: despite everything she accomplished, a resurfaced interview quote making the rounds says the role she most wanted to be remembered for was being a mother, a reminder that behind all the characters was a person who had her priorities nailed to the mast. She was a mother of two sons - and a couple bonus children she met on the way. Macaulay Culkin posted a tribute calling her “Mama,” mourning her like family: “Mama. I thought we had time…” That’s the clearest proof there is that her legacy wasn’t only talent. It was impact.

Fans of The Last of Us got an unexpected gift in Season 2: Catherine joining the show in a role created for the series - Gail, a therapist who sits across from Joel with the kind of steel-softness only she could pull off. And yes - she absolutely “slapped the hell out of him.” So… will Joel (and Pedro) remember it? In the immortal language of physics: an impact occurred; memory is inevitable. But it’s not the only thing that she’s going to be remembered for.

After her passing, Pedro shared a tribute on Instagram that reads like someone trying to fit a crater of grief into a caption. He wrote “Oh, genius to be near you. Eternally grateful. There is less light in my world…” That’s not PR. That’s the sound of a person who knows he got to stand next to a master and is grateful he didn’t miss the chance. And we know how much is Pedro in love with humanity - and we are pretty sure he loved her.

Catherine and Pedro also shared a project in animation - The Wild Robot, both part of the voice cast. It hits differently now, knowing it’s one more time her voice got to live inside a story and stay there.

Catherine O’Hara will be remembered as a legend because she earned it. But the reason this hurts is simpler: she made the world brighter, and now there’s “less light,” exactly like Pedro said.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is making a powerful statement this awards season, earning an impressive lineup of nominations at the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards.

The film picked up major acting nods, including Best Actor for Pedro Pascal, Best Actress for Vanessa Kirby, and Best Supporting Actor for Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Director Matt Shakman also received a nomination, alongside recognition for production design, visual effects, screenwriting, music, editing, costume design, and film adaptation.

Pedro’s Best Actor nomination puts him in a stacked category, including our favorite Oscar Isaac, making this a true “space sisters” showdown that fandom is already buzzing about.

Vanessa Kirby’s Best Actress nod adds even more reason to celebrate, highlighting just how strong and balanced the performances are across the entire Fantastic Four cast.

The 53rd Annual Saturn Awards will air live on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM PST from the Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City, with Joel McHale returning as host. The ceremony honors the very best in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and genre storytelling.

And the buzz doesn’t stop there. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is already gaining serious early awards-season momentum. Along with major acting nods for Pedro and Vanessa, the film is being recognized for Ebon’s supporting performance, Matt’s direction, and a wide range of technical categories like VFX, production design, editing, and score.

If this lineup holds, it’s a strong sign that this isn’t just a big spectacle, it’s being noticed for its craft, performances, and storytelling, too.

Space sisters supremacy. Fantastic Four excellence.
We love to see it!

Pedro has been nominated for Best Body of Work at the 2026 IFSCA Awards, where 100+ film critics from around the world come together to celebrate the best in film each year.

The nomination recognizes his standout body of work throughout 2025 and the consistency, range, and heart he brings to every role.

He’s in great company alongside:

Nominees were announced on January 31, 2026, with winners revealed on February 5, 2026. So proud to see Pedro’s work recognized on a global stage.

According to Austrian outlet Heute, he was recently spotted enjoying a low-key visit in Vienna, keeping things cozy and under the radar. Dressed casually in jeans and a hoodie, Pedro spent the evening dining with family and a few close companions at the elegant Mon Cher Vienna, right along the Ringstrasse.

Staff and guests described him as warm, relaxed, and genuinely kind, chatting easily, thanking the kitchen, and taking time to show appreciation to everyone who helped make the night special. He reportedly enjoyed oysters and Austrian red wine, fully leaning into the local vibes while keeping things private and low-key.

While no official reason for the visit has been confirmed, we are definitely connecting some exciting dots. We know Behemoth! wrapped production in Los Angeles last week, so this Vienna stop may have been tied to finishing touches, pickups, or location-related work before fully closing out this chapter.

So yes, this may have been part “work trip,” part “family time,” and part “mysterious Pedro energy,” all rolled into one.

And yes, we also got a fan encounter during this trip. Here’s what she had to say:

Fan Encounter Story (via @nicky_zou on TikTok)

“Okay, so I just got to Leopold Museum and I said, ‘Let’s go from the 4th floor and down.’ When we got there, not even five steps in, he was there. I did a double take just to make sure it was really him because he was wearing a hat and glasses.

I started freaking out and followed him a little bit because I didn’t want to draw attention to him since he was with his family. I approached him and said, ‘Hello, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to say you mean so much to me, and thank you for all the work you do. My favorite role of yours is Joel, and I would love to see more scenes as Joel.’

He laughed and said they haven’t called him yet.

I asked to shake his hand and he did. At that moment I said, ‘I’m having a panic attack from the excitement,’ and he said, ‘Oh please don’t.’

Then I asked if he wouldn’t mind taking a picture with me, and he said, ‘Of course, no problem.’ I couldn’t resist complimenting him on his cologne and he said, ‘Oh, thank you very much.’ Everything you hear is true. That man smells like heaven.

I then cried for five minutes and still couldn’t believe that I met him. It’s the highlight of my life. Thank you for all the comments you’ve left on my post, and I hope every single one of you gets to meet him someday.”

A huge thank you to Melissa for catching and sharing this gem for us!

He’s set to lead the Todd Haynes romantic drama De Noche, with filming expected to begin later this month in Guadalajara, Mexico. While production hasn’t started just yet, things are clearly ramping up behind the scenes as Pedro gets ready to step into his next role.

In the film, he plays Richard Rent, a troubled 1930s Los Angeles police officer whose life is turned upside down by a mysterious double murder. As corruption and danger close in, Richard forms a powerful connection with Joe, a schoolteacher who becomes both his refuge and his partner in escape. Together, they flee south of the border, searching for safety, freedom, and a chance at something real, all while navigating love, fear, and the weight of the world around them.

With its period setting, lush Mexican locations, and intimate, character-driven storytelling, De Noche is shaping up to be moody, atmospheric, and emotionally rich in all the ways Pedro stories tend to be. Filming in Guadalajara will bring an added layer of authenticity and texture, grounding this sweeping romance in real places and lived-in beauty.

And while he's still in that pre-filming phase, possibly wrapping up work on Behemoth! in Austria and sneaking in some sightseeing with family, it won't be long before Pedro heads south to one of his favorite places: Mexico, ready to dive into his next unforgettable role.💫

Moody vibes. Historical romance. Pedro on the brink of another iconic role.
We are so ready!

This week, we got an exciting update on Love & Chaos, and it was such a joy to see Lux shining. The film’s team shared a joyful behind the scenes throwback from last summer’s shoot in Montreal, giving fans a peek at the feel good, road trip comedy vibes and reminding us just how much we’re excited to see her shine in this project.

The ensemble comedy, which also stars Bebe Wood, Christine Taylor, Anna Akana, Rio Mangini, and more, promises laughs, heart, and plenty of chaotic fun. But for us, it’s especially meaningful to watch Lux continue building such an exciting and diverse career, one project at a time. We love seeing her take on new roles and be part of stories that celebrate creativity and connection.

Even better, Love & Chaos now has its own official Instagram account, making it easier than ever to follow along with updates, photos, and future news. Be sure to follow @loveandchaosmovie and stay tuned because we’ll be cheering on Lux every step of the way.

Lucasfilm and Disney are officially in full hype mode ahead of The Mandalorian and Grogu and fans should get ready to be very well fed because things are clearly ramping up.

They have just dropped something extra fun to tide us over: a brand new short titled The Mandalorian: Knot a Toy, featuring a charming crochet style retelling of one of Din and Grogu’s most iconic moments from The Mandalorian Season 1. It is cozy, creative, and impossibly cute, the kind of fandom joy that instantly puts a smile on your face.

As part of the playful Star Wars Minis series and now streaming on the official Star Wars YouTube channel, the short gives fans a delightful little peek at our favorite duo while we wait for their big screen return. They also included a behind the scenes look at how the short was created, showing off the artistry, craftsmanship, and care that went into bringing this crochet style world to life.

And the excitement does not stop there

During Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, a new trailer is expected to drop. We have already gotten a short teaser, so now we are hoping this next look gives us more of Din actually talking and of course more of that signature swagger we all love.

A cozy animated short. A behind the scenes deep dive. A major trailer on the way. The road to Mando and Grogu’s big screen era is officially underway and we are absolutely seated.

This beautiful photo comes from Kinderträume e.V., a German nonprofit that helps make children’s dreams come true. It shows Frida during her special visit to the London set of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where she got to meet Pedro Pascal and the cast.

Thanks to Kinderträume’s incredible work, Frida was able to step onto the set, experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand, and share this unforgettable moment with Pedro. The smile on her face says everything. It’s joy, wonder, and a dream coming true all in one frame.

Moments like this remind us why these programs matter so much. It’s not just about movies and stars. It’s about kindness, connection, and giving kids memories they’ll carry forever.

Pedro showing up with warmth and grace. A charity making real magic happen.
A fan’s dream brought to life. We love to see it.

And as if this week hadn’t already delivered enough, we also got a gorgeous high-resolution version of this still from Marvel Studios on X. 💫✨

It features Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby as Reed Richards and Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, sharing a soft, intimate moment that highlights their chemistry and emotional connection. Marvel knew what they were doing with this one. 💙

This week, Pedro has been using his platform to speak out about immigration enforcement, accountability, and the lives lost, calling for transparency, justice, and meaningful reform. These posts are front and center on his profile, and he’s been echoing the same messages in his stories, using his voice to stand up for dignity and human rights.

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This stunning graphite portrait is a masterclass in mood and restraint, and we can’t stop staring at it. The rich layering of tones - deep, velvety shadows paired with crisp highlights - gives the face a sculpted, almost cinematic realism, like a still from a film where the character has survived the storm (and Joel did) and is quietly bracing for the next scene. Every texture feels intentional: the wind-tossed hair, the rugged beard, the weathered lines around the eyes - each detail adds to that grounded, lived-in intensity that makes the piece feel human and haunted in the best way.

Huge congratulations to the artist for creating something that hits this hard with just graphite and pure skill. If this portrait grabbed you the way it grabbed us, go show them some love and check out more of their work on Instagram @libel_ichen - it’s absolutely worth the dive.

We’re excited to share that we’ve officially pulled our giveaway winners, and both have been notified and have happily accepted their prizes. The drawing was done randomly, and prizes will be sent out shortly.

Our first-place winner is Jennifer, and in her honor, we’ll be making a donation to Planned Parenthood as part of her prize. Thank you for choosing such an important cause.

Our second-place winner is @opalescent.custard, who will be receiving a Reed Richards Funko Pop and some extra goodies.

Congratulations to both of our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered, shared kind words, and continues to support The Pascal Pulse. Your love and encouragement mean everything to us. 💜💜

This is fandom showing up in the most meaningful way and absolutely a Take My Money moment for the best possible reason. 💛

Members of the Pedro Pascal fan community have come together to support the incredible work of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), raising funds to provide life-saving medical care and humanitarian aid to children impacted by conflict, poverty, and displacement.

Through this fan-led fundraiser, donations help support critical surgeries, cancer treatment, and mental health care for children living in crisis. Donors are also entered into special art draws, with original fan art gifted as a thank-you for giving back, so your generosity may even come with a beautiful piece of fandom art.

This is a true community effort, with multiple artists coming together to use their creativity for good. If you’re a Pedro Pascal fan artist and would like to contribute by donating your work, you can get involved by contacting @artebrutti on Instagram.

Inspired by Pedro’s compassion and advocacy, this initiative reflects the very best of this community. It is entirely fan-run and rooted in kindness, solidarity, and action.

If you’re able to support, here’s where to give and to find out more about the art drawings:
👉 https://give.pcrf.net/team/801104

Take My Money… for hope, healing, and helping kids who need it most.

And if you’re looking for even more ways to support great causes, these are also happening right now:

Fandom in Action: PPN & World Central Kitchen for Chile
Pedro Pascal Nation launched a fundraiser benefiting World Central Kitchen to help provide meals to communities and emergency crews responding to the wildfires in Chile. It’s another powerful example of this fandom coming together with heart and purpose.
👉 Donate HERE
📖 Read more in our last issue

Heart for Artists for Aid: Reminder
Artist Jamie (@pink_pigtail) continues her fundraiser inspired by Pedro’s heart gesture at the Artists for Aid concert. Proceeds support the cause, with originals, prints, and digital downloads available through February 20.
👉 Shop HERE
📖 Read more in our last issue

If you’re looking for the cutest, most creative Pedro-inspired goodies this Valentine’s season, look no further than Crafters Assembled. From lace-trimmed heart frames and dreamy handmade décor to retro motel keychains that proudly declare “I ❤️ Pedro Pascal,” every piece is packed with love, detail, and fandom joy.

This drop is serving vintage vibes, soft pinks, gingham dreams, and pure handmade magic, perfect for gifting (or treating yourself). 💕✨

Be sure to watch her Etsy and Instagram for the drop so you don’t miss out, these beauties won’t stay in stock for long!

Trust us: your Valentine’s fandom heart is going to want everything. 💌

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