Downey Jr. DEFENDS Controversial Pedro Pascal Casting

Pedro Pascal has been officially chosen as the main representation for Marvel Studios, and it seems that Disney’s PR team, headed by Robert Downey Jr., is going all out to ensure viewers are on board. In a recent feature article for Vanity Fair, Pascal, who plays characters in both Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday, received high praise from his co-star, Robert Downey Jr., who will appear alongside him as Doctor Doom in Marvel’s upcoming film that is expected to shape the next phase of their stories.

Over time, Downey has taken on a significant role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, often serving as an impromptu public representative for the studio’s projects that stir up debate or controversy.

Downey expressed his renewed confidence in our field, saying, “The gradual rise of Pascal to fame and his current streak of success reminds me that our industry is thriving.

At present, they are shooting the movie “Avengers: Doomsday” at Pinewood Studios in the U.K., with plans to release it on December 18, 2026. As per reports, Downey has been organizing study sessions, or as he calls them “homework days”, at his residence. These sessions are intended to help the cast bond and prepare for crucial scenes. Pascal chose not to disclose the specifics of these meetings, instead playfully responding, “That’s a very intriguing inquiry.

In the upcoming month, Pascal will make his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” taking on the role of Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic. However, the announcement was met with swift criticism from fans, who raised concerns about his age, looks, and suitability for the part. Even Pascal himself acknowledged the negative feedback, mentioning complaints that he’s too old, not suitable, and needs to shave.

Enter Marvel’s damage control—and Downey is again leading the charge.

On different occasions, Robert Downey Jr., known for boosting Marvel’s reputation, has recently taken part in two public relations events aimed at promoting the controversial Ironheart series on Disney+. With the audience expressing dissatisfaction towards the writing, tone, and messaging of the show, Downey made a guest appearance on Good Morning America (a program owned by Disney) in what seemed like a carefully arranged surprise visit to praise lead actress Dominique Thorne and endorse the project wholeheartedly. Following this, Marvel orchestrated another PR event featuring Downey, where they simulated a phone call between them, with Downey congratulating Thorne on the premiere of the show.

The actions were generally perceived as strategic attempts to revive the series’ reputation, linking it with the dearest character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline.

Now Marvel is hoping Downey can work the same magic for Pedro Pascal.

However, Pascal’s public persona isn’t only questionable; it’s puzzling. From comic conventions to social media, his actions have consistently invited criticism. For instance, at San Diego Comic-Con, a video that gained notoriety depicts him holding Vanessa Kirby’s hand and massaging her arm, which many perceived as an excessively familiar gesture. At the time, this was justified as Pascal being anxious in front of a large audience and needing physical reassurance from his co-star. Later, Kirby attempted to reframe the incident as a friendly show of comfort and unity, suggesting she was the one requiring support. Yet, this interpretation didn’t resonate well with certain segments of the fanbase—particularly in light of mounting criticisms.

During a recent media event, actress Dakota Johnson casually mentioned an intriguing tale about Pascal suggesting she create an adult content site and earn money by wiggling a toe. He additionally admitted to frequently taking and wearing her clothes on set. While the comments were made jokingly, they left some feeling uncomfortable.

Additionally, Pascal’s harsh political discourse has further widened the gap between him and certain sections of the Marvel fan community. Particularly noteworthy are his repeated verbal attacks on conservatives and his labeling of J.K. Rowling as a “despicable failure” due to her stance on gender matters. This is surprising given that Rowling is a survivor of personal hardships and a vocal advocate for women’s rights. His derogatory comment sparked instant criticism, with many critics claiming he was attacking someone who voices from personal experience.

So why is Marvel pushing him so hard?

Because they have no choice.

In light of Phase 5 and 6 facing difficulties following a series of disappointments, Disney urgently requires a fresh central character for their upcoming generation of productions. The Fantastic Four and Avengers: Doomsday are expected to be key elements in the franchise’s future. Regardless of fan reactions, Pedro Pascal has already been selected. The task now falls upon Marvel and their prominent ambassador, Robert Downey Jr., to convince the world about Pedro Pascal.

It’s still uncertain if the plan will work out or cause problems. However, there’s no denying that the public relations efforts for Pedro Pascal are genuine, and they’re definitely not slowing down anytime soon.

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2025-06-26 14:55