Writer Mark Waid perfectly illustrated this aspect of the hero during his late ‘90s run. Fantastic Four #60 (1997), penciled by Mike Wieringo, ends with Reed telling the infant Valeria a story about an arrogant scientist whose mistakes changed the life of his friends, not always for the better. As he works on a cure, the scientist comes up with a solution to their problem that doesn’t involve betraying those he loves or turning people into guinea pigs. He suggests that they use their new powers for good, taking on exciting names and fancy costumes.
No, Pascal looks nothing like the lanky, cartoony version of Reed that Wieringo draws. Still, you can easily see him portraying a similar scene in an MCU movie.
In the pivotal sixth episode of The Last of Us, Pascal’s Joel teaches Ellie (Bella Ramsay) how to shoot, after the two reunite from a brief separation. “Deep breath in, slow breath out,” he explains with matter-of-fact calm, not acknowledging Ellie’s non-stop patter. “Squeeze the trigger like you love it,” he explains. “Gentle… steady.” He only stops when Ellie interrupts to ask, “You gonna shoot this thing or get it pregnant,” responding with just a look.
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Pascal fills that look with a combination of reproach and admiration, a warmth that doesn’t dismiss the important work that he’s doing – after all, he’s teaching his charge a vital skill to stay alive in the show’s post-apocalyptic world – but reminds viewers why he’s doing this work in the first place. He’s doing it because he cares about Ellie.
In his breakout performance as Oberyn Martell on Game of Thrones, Pascal plays a charismatic braggart and unrepentant hedonist, a man with no interest in laboratories or secret hideouts. And yet, Pascal plays both the passion and intellect of the character, especially during his fateful battle with Gregor Clegane (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) in the season four episode “The Mountain and the Viper.” For all of his dazzling leaps and spins, Oberyn attacks methodically, planning his strikes to bring his mighty opponent low. He explains his strategy, admitting that he came to Westeros to get revenge for what Clegane did to his family.
Before the scene builds to its (literally) eye-popping conclusion, Pascal balances the precision and passion in his performance. His voice remains steady, his eyes like steel, as he makes strategic cuts and lists his demands. When the battle seems to be won, Pascal lets Oberyn’s anger and sadness erupt in his voice.
