Pedro Pascal’s fame from his supporting role in Game of Thrones helped him earn a lot of money from the popular series The Last of Us.

Pedro Pascal has been part of Hollywood for decades, working his way up through different roles in theater and TV. One of his early appearances was on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1999, but it wasn’t until his roles in Game of Thrones, that he became a well-known name, quickly followed by The Mandalorian, and The Last of Us.

Pedro Pascal | Credit: Gage Skidmore/CCA BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Now, Pascal is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, with big projects lined up, like Gladiator 2, Marvel’s Fantastic Four, and a new season of The Last of Us. Over the years, millions of fans have watched Pascal’s journey as he went from lesser-known roles to major stardom. His role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones played a key role in bringing him into the spotlight and setting up his path to even bigger roles.

Pedro Pascal’s Role in Game of Thrones

While Pedro Pascal is now well-known for lead roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, his first big break came with a short but memorable role in Game of Thrones. In 2013, he joined the show as Oberyn Martell, the fearless and passionate prince from Dorne, who quickly became a fan favorite. Even though he appeared in only seven episodes, Oberyn left a strong impression with his defiance of the powerful Lannister family and his unforgettable, tragic end.

Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones | Credit: HBO

Oberyn’s brief time on screen was important to the story. His character introduced viewers to Dorne’s distinct culture and touched on major events in Westeros history, like Robert’s Rebellion. Pascal brought Oberyn’s complex personality to life with his bold charm, courage, and open dislike for the Lannisters, which made him stand out. Though his role was short, Pascal’s performance left a lasting impact on both the series and its fans.

How Much Did Pedro Pascal Earn on Game of Thrones?

Pedro Pascal’s exact earnings for Game of Thrones haven’t been made public. However, since he was a supporting character with only seven episodes, his pay was likely much less than what the lead actors made. According to Parade, Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, reportedly earned around $500,000 per episode in the later seasons, along with other main cast members. Compared to that, Pascal’s pay was probably in the tens of thousands per episode. It was still a decent amount, but far less than what he would make later as a lead actor in other shows.

Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones | Credit: HBO

This role in Game of Thrones helped Pascal gain recognition, which opened doors for him in high-profile projects. While he wasn’t earning as much as the main cast, Game of Thrones was an important stepping stone in his career, leading to bigger projects and better pay.

Pedro Pascal’s Role in The Last of Us

Fast forward to 2023, and Pascal had reached a new peak in his career with the HBO hit series The Last of Us, based on the popular video game developed by Naughty Dog. The series, set in a post-apocalyptic world, features Pascal in the lead role as Joel, a seasoned survivor hired to escort a young girl named Ellie across the United States.

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller in The Last of Us | Credits: HBO

The show captivated audiences with its intense story and Pascal’s powerful performance. He brought his character to life in a way that deeply resonated with fans of the game and new viewers alike.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, for The Last of Us, Pascal reportedly earned a staggering $600,000 per episode, totaling approximately $5.4 million for the nine-episode season. This salary made him one of the highest-paid television actors of 2021. The series’ Sunday night prime slot on HBO received high viewership, giving Pascal a platform to showcase his talent to a large audience and solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood.

The Success of The Last of Us Led to Pedro Pascal’s Rising Fame

The Last of Us became a major hit, earning both high ratings and critical praise, making it one of HBO’s most popular series. Fans loved how true the show stayed to the original game, while also adding depth to the characters’ relationships in a way that felt real and deeply moving. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel, captured both his strength and vulnerability. It was a standout, and his chemistry with Bella Ramsey who played the role of Ellie brought extra layers to the story that fans really connected with.

Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us Season 2 | Credit: HBO

Thanks to his powerful performance, Pascal’s fame has soared. His role in The Last of Us has won him a huge, dedicated fan base and more recognition in the entertainment industry. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Pascal’s earnings on the series made him one of the highest-paid actors on TV at the time.

What to Expect in The Last of Us Season 2

After the massive success of the first season, HBO quickly renewed The Last of Us for a second season, promising fans a continuation of Joel and Ellie’s story. Season 2 will be based on the game The Last of Us Part II, and it’s set to dive into darker, more complex themes, which will bring new depth to Joel and Ellie’s relationship.

The Last of Us | Credit: HBO

On November 11, HBO released a teaser previewing its lineup for 2025, including a sneak peek at The Last of Us Season 2. The teaser revealed quick glimpses of Joel and Ellie’s journey and hinted at the tough choices they’ll be facing. Fans are especially excited about the new characters, including a therapist played by Catherine O’Hara, who is expected to add an interesting twist to the story.

The teaser also confirmed that Season 2 will jump forward by five years, which matches the timeline in the second game. This means we’ll see Joel dealing with the consequences of his decisions from the Season 1 finale, while Ellie faces her own challenges in a world that’s only become harsher. Fans of the game have high hopes for Season 2, and the teaser has only fueled their excitement even more.

The Last of Us can be streamed on HBO Max.