Pedro Pascal Urges Fight Back Against US Political Pressure at Cannes

At the Cannes Film Festival premiere of the political drama "Eddington," actor Pedro Pascal urged filmmakers and artists to resist fear and continue telling impactful stories amid the current U.S. political climate. The film, set in a small New Mexico town amid COVID-19 tensions and political polarization, explores themes like conspiracy theories and the MAGA movement, with Pascal portraying a mayor opposing a sheriff played by Joaquin Phoenix. Pascal, an immigrant whose parents fled a Chilean dictatorship, expressed his support for immigrant protections and criticized fear-based politics, emphatically telling audiences to "fight back" and not let those who incite fear win. Director Ari Aster noted the film was written from a place of anxiety about America's future, aiming to capture the country's present turmoil. Pascal acknowledged the difficulty and intimidation actors face when addressing politically charged issues but emphasized the importance of artistic expression as a form of resistance. "Eddington" received a standing ovation at Cannes and is set for worldwide release, highlighting the intersection of art and political dissent in today's America.