2025 Emmy Nominations Are Here: See the Full List of Nominees
The Television Academy's 24,000 members certainly have their work cut out for them as past Emmy winners like 'Severance,' 'The White Lotus,' 'The Last of Us,' 'Squid Game,' 'The Handmaid's Tale,' 'Hacks,' 'The Bear,' 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Only Murders in the Building,' and 'What We Do in the Shadows' are all back in contention for more awards.
More from IndieWire
Why the Emmy Nominations Still Matter
Inside the Episode That Earned 'The Rehearsal' Emmy Nominations
And that's not even mentioning the slew of star-studded series that debuted this year: 'The Pitt,' 'Paradise,' 'The Studio,' 'Dying for Sex,' and IndieWire Honors-recognized 'Adolescence' all have become critically acclaimed hits.
From Liza Colón-Zayas ('The Bear') to 'The White Lotus' quartet of Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Aimee Lou Wood, and Carrie Coon, to 'The Studio' stars Catherine O'Hara and Kathryn Hahn, the comedy categories for actresses are particularly competitive this year. Don't forget about Emmy staples 'Hacks' and 'Abbott Elementary' too.
The Outstanding Television Movie category additionally has an interesting year, with Emmy-winning 'Succession' creator Jesse Armstrong's HBO film 'Mountainhead' against the fourth 'Bridget Jones' film, 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,' which premiered solely on Peacock in the United States while becoming a box office hit in theaters abroad. Neither received nods, shockingly, though.
Emmys voting wrapped on Monday, June 23, with the nominations announced today, Tuesday, July 15, by 'Running Point' breakout Brenda Song (which debuted in 2025 on Netflix) and 'What We Do in the Shadows' star Harvey Guillén (the FX series just had its final season).
As expected, 'Severance' was the most nominated drama with 27 nominations, followed by limited series 'The Penguin' with 24 nods. 'The White Lotus' and 'The Studio' additionally are among the most-nominated titles, tied at 23 each. 'The Studio' even got auteur Martin Scorsese his first Emmy nomination for a guest-starring role.
Ron Howard received his first acting Emmy nom ever with his guest-starring role on 'The Studio.' Until the satirical Hollywood series, Howard had never receive an acting nod before — not even with all his years on 'The Andy Griffith Show' and 'Happy Days.'
'Adolescence' dominated with 13 total nods, including co-creator Jack Thorne recognized for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and Philip Barantini for directing. 'The Pitt' also landed 13 nominations.
Harrison Ford earned his first ever Emmy nomination — for 'Shrinking' in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy category. Ford and Kathy Bates made history in their respective categories as the oldest Emmy nominees; Owen Cooper of 'Adolescence' is the youngest.
Star-studded limited series 'Presumed Innocent' and 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story' were also recognized, with Javier Bardem, Ruth Negga, Chloë Sevigny, Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard, and Peter Sarsgaard all now Emmy nominees.
The 76th Annual Emmy Awards will honor series that aired between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, September 14, live on CBS at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT. Nate Bargatze will be hosting the awards show.
Check out the full list of nominations below.
Outstanding Talk Series
'The Daily Show'
'Jimmy Kimmel Live'
'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
'The Amazing Race'
'RuPaul's Drag Race'
'Survivor'
'Top Chef'
'The Traitors'
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Javier Bardem, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'
Bill Camp, 'Presumed Innocent'
Owen Cooper, 'Adolescence'
Rob Delaney, 'Dying for Sex'
Peter Sarsgaard, 'Presumed Innocent'
Ashley Walters, 'Adolescence'
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Erin Doherty, 'Adolescence'
Ruth Negga, 'Presumed Innocent'
Deirdre O'Connell, 'The Penguin'
Chloë Sevigny, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'
Jenny Slate, 'Dying for Sex'
Christine Tremarco, 'Adolescence'
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Colin Farrell, 'The Penguin'
Stephen Graham, 'Adolescence'
Jake Gyllenhaal, 'Presumed Innocent'
Brian Tyree Henry, 'Dope Thief'
Cooper Koch, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Cate Blanchett, 'Disclaimer'
Meghann Fahy, 'Sirens'
Rashida Jones, 'Black Mirror'
Cristin Milioti, 'The Penguin'
Michelle Williams, 'Dying for Sex'
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
'Adolescence'
'Black Mirror'
'Dying for Sex'
'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'
'The Penguin'
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Zach Cherry, 'Severance'
Walton Goggins, 'The White Lotus'
Jason Isaacs, 'The White Lotus'
James Marsden, 'Paradise'
Sam Rockwell, 'The White Lotus'
Tramell Tillman, 'Severance'
John Turturro, 'Severance'
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, 'Severance'
Carrie Coon, 'The White Lotus'
Katherine LaNasa, 'The Pitt'
Julianne Nicholson, 'Paradise'
Parker Posey, 'The White Lotus'
Natasha Rothwell, 'The White Lotus'
Aimee Lou Wood, 'The White Lotus'
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates, 'Matlock'
Sharon Horgan, 'Bad Sisters'
Britt Lower, 'Severance'
Bella Ramsey, 'The Last of Us'
Keri Russell, 'The Diplomat'
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Noah Wyle, 'The Pitt'
Sterling K. Brown, 'Paradise'
Adam Scott, 'Severance'
Pedro Pascal, 'The Last of Us'
Gary Oldman, 'Slow Horses'
Outstanding Drama Series
'Andor'
'The Diplomat'
'The Last of Us'
'Paradise'
'The Pitt'
'Severance'
'Slow Horses'
'The White Lotus'
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ike Barinholtz, 'The Studio'
Colman Domingo, 'The Four Seasons'
Harrison Ford, 'Shrinking'
Jeff Hiller, 'Somebody Somewhere'
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, 'The Bear'
Michael Urie, 'Shrinking'
Bowen Yang, 'SNL'
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Liza Colón-Zayas, 'The Bear'
Kathryn Hahn, 'The Studio'
Hannah Einbinder, 'Hacks'
Janelle James, 'Abbott Elementary'
Catherine O'Hara, 'The Studio'
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 'Abbott Elementary'
Jessica Williams, 'Shrinking'
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jason Segel, 'Shrinking'
Martin Short, 'Only Murders in the Building'
Jeremy Allen White, 'The Bear'
Seth Rogen, 'The Studio'
Adam Brody, 'Nobody Wants This'
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Kristen Bell, 'Nobody Wants This'
Jean Smart, 'Hacks'
Uzo Aduba, 'The Residence'
Ayo Edebiri, 'The Bear'
Quinta Brunson, 'Abbott Elementary'
Outstanding Comedy Series
'Abbott Elementary'
'The Bear'
'Hacks'
'Nobody Wants This'
'Only Murders in the Building'
'Shrinking'
'The Studio'
'What We Do in the Shadows'
This is a breaking news post and is continuing to be updated.
Best of IndieWire
2023 Emmy Predictions: Who Will Win at the Primetime Emmy Awards?
2023 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
2023 Emmy Predictions: Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
4 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Harry Potter TV Series Release Date, Cast, Trailer, and Everything We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Production is now in full flow on the "Harry Potter" TV show. In this article you'll find all the latest info you need to know about it, from the updated cast list to when we can expect the first trailer. Exclusive to HBO, it's poised to be the platform's biggest ever splurge. Reports claim each episode has a budget of $100 million. In fact, with seven planned seasons contributing to a potential total cost of $4.2 billion USD, that would surpass Prime Video's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" ($715 million) as the most expensive show ever made. The eagerly awaited adaption of author JK Rowling's fantasy novels is currently filming its first season. But why does it cost so much? How will it differ from the films? And who exactly is playing Voldemort? Aidan Monaghan stars in Harry Potter Aidan Monaghan stars in Harry Potter HBO Read on for all the newest info on HBO's "Harry Potter" series. What is the Harry Potter TV Series About? HBO's "Harry Potter" series is based on author J.K. Rowling's books. That means it will essentially follow the plot from the films, which spanned 2001-2011. If you're new to this Wizarding World, here's the general premise. We follow the exploits of Harry Potter, an 11-year-old British boy unaware he's actually blessed with the power of magic. After being accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he has to contend with the rise of an evil wizard called Voldemort who has the power to destroy everything and everyone he loves. Is the Harry Potter TV Series Adapting the Books? Yes, "Harry Potter" is adapting all seven of J.K. Rowling's books. Each season is based on a different one. In terms of its source material, HBO says the series will be "a faithful adaptation of the iconic books". Is JK Rowling Writing the Harry Potter TV Show? No, J.K. Rowling is not writing the "Harry Potter" TV show. However, she is acting as executive producer. In a statement, Rowling said, "Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series." HBO has defended Rowling's involvement. HBO chief Casey Bloys told reporters at a press event on November 12, 2024 that Rowling was "very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director," A spokesperson for the network said in a statement to Variety that "her contribution has been invaluable." Harry Potter TV Series Release Date The first series will launch in 2027. This is 30 years after the publication of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (also known as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"). It's also 16 years after the final film, 2011's, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two". How Many Season Will There be in the Harry Potter TV Series The series will have seven seasons. In February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed the series will run for seven seasons, with each one based off a "Harry Potter" book. Since the running length of each episode combined will span more total time than the films, you're in for a more detailed show that really dives into Rowling's created universe. The series is expected to take ten years to complete, from season one to season seven. Ralph Fiennes in Harry Potter Ralph Fiennes in Harry Potter Warner Bros Who is the New Harry Potter Actor? 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin replaces Daniel Radcliffe as the acting playing Harry Potter. He's already been shot in costume as Harry Potter, and confirmed alongside several new cast members, including the character's best friends Ron and Hermione. Who is Playing Voldemort in the new Harry Potter Show? Producers have not yet revealed who is playing Voldemort in Harry Potter's TV series. While word is the actor has indeed been cast, there's been no official announcement. Ralph Fiennes is best-known in the role, taking it on in 2005 film "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". Before him, Richard Bremmer played Voldemort in a flashback scene in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Additionally, Ian Hart provided the voice and motion capture for Voldemort in the same film. Who is Playing Herminone in the Harry Potter TV Series? Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" TV series. She was named alongside Harry and Ron in May 2025 following an extensive casting search among British children aged 9-11. Alastair Stout plays Ron Weasley. Nick Frost features in Harry Potter Nick Frost features in Harry Potter HBO Who is the New Hagrid Actor in the Harry Potter TV Series? Nick Frost is the new Hagrid. Famous for his role in "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz", the actor in full costume looks incredibly similar to Robbie Coltrane's version from the Harry Potter movies. "While I'm really aware of what went before me in terms of Robbie [Coltrane]'s amazing performance, I'm never going to try and be Robbie," Frost tells Collider. "I'm going to try and do something, not 'different. I think you have to be respectful to the subject matter, but within that, there's scope for minutia." "I always read Hagrid as he's like a lovely, lost, violent, funny, warm child," Frost continued. "I think the beauty of being able to do a book a season means I get to explore that a lot more, and I can't wait. He's funny! I want it to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike." Harry Potter TV Series Cast The "Harry Potter" cast is now locked in - the show has already begun filming. Every major character has been confirmed (Voldemort aside). This includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. John Lithgow plays Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu plays Severus Snape. Here's the full cast list. Dominic McLaughlin – Harry Potter Alastair Stout – Ron Weasley Arabella Stanton – Hermione Granger John Lithgow – Albus Dumbledore Paapa Essiedu – Severus Snape Janet McTeer – Minerva McGonagall Nick Frost – Rubeus Hagrid Paul Whitehouse – Argus Filch Luke Thallon – Quirinus Quirrell Lox Pratt – Draco Malfoy Bel Powley – Petunia Dursley Daniel Rigby – Vernon Dursley Katherine Parkinson – Molly Weasley Alessia Leoni – Parvati Patil Leo Earley – Seamus Finnigan Bertie Carvel – Cornelius Fudge Rory Wilmot – Neville Longbottom Amos Kitson – Dudley Dursley Louise Brealey – Madam Rolanda Hooch Anton Lesser – Garrick Ollivander Where is Harry Potter Being Filmed? The show is being shot at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, UK. This is also where the eight "Harry Potter" movies were also shot, suggesting the series is going for a similar look and feel. Who is Making the Harry Potter TV Show? The same company behind the Harry Potter films is making the Harry Potter TV show: Warner Bros. Mark Mylod, executive producer, will direct multiple episodes. They've previously helmed episodes of "Succession", "Game of Thrones", "The Last of Us", "Shameless", and "The Affair". The showrunner is Francesca Gardiner. They have writing credits on "Succession" and "His Dark Materials". How to Watch the Harry Potter TV Series? You can watch the "Harry Potter" TV series on HBO and HBO Max when it premiers in 2027. Before then you can stream all eight of the original films, along with the three "Fantastic Beasts" movies, and various specials like the "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" reunion.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Stream These 10 TV Shows and Movies Before They Leave Netflix in August
Several notable television shows are departing Netflix in the United States this month, including sitcoms, action drama and a meta-textual examination of the medium itself. Also leaving the service in August: a Cannes-winning drama, a zany buddy comedy and an inspired slice of slasher horror. (Dates reflect the first day titles are unavailable and are subject to change.) 'My Wife and Kids': Seasons 1-5 (Aug. 5) Stream it here. When Damon Wayans burst on the comedy scene in the early 1990s, he was such a live wire — profane, provocative, uproarious — that it would've seemed nutty to compare him to Bill Cosby. But in 2001, approaching middle age, he took a page from the Cosby playbook, creating a sitcom showcase for himself as the patriarch of an upper-class Black family. Formulaic though it may be, 'My Wife and Kids' is consistently funny, with Wayans in fine form as the beleaguered dad; the 'Martin' alum Tisha Campbell-Martin as his career-minded wife; and, for three seasons, Damon Wayans Jr. displaying his skill for the family business. (Bonus: Unlike with 'The Cosby Show,' you can watch it now without feeling nauseated.) 'Ballers': Seasons 1-5 (Aug. 15) Stream it here. This HBO dramedy is a smart, funny, pointed and frequently accurate portrait of the business of professional sports. Dwayne Johnson (then still billed with his wrestling moniker 'The Rock' between names) stars as Spencer, a former football player who has become a finance manager and who has made it his mission to show his fellow athletes the path to fiscal security. Johnson makes expert use of his considerable charisma while still providing the supporting cast (including Rob Corddry, Omar Miller and John David Washington) with plenty of opportunities to shine. 'Baby Mama' (Aug. 16) Stream it here. After their success on 'Saturday Night Live' (especially as the first two-woman desk on 'Weekend Update'), Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took their frisky byplay to the big screen in this giddy, fast-paced maternal comedy. Fey, sticking fairly close to the persona she established in '30 Rock,' stars as an uptight, career-minded single woman who can't have a biological baby. Enter Poehler as her surrogate mother, an irresponsible hell-raiser who gives our heroine more than she bargained for. The writer and director Michael McCullers wisely hews to the dynamics of classic comedy teams, with Fey as the straight woman and Poehler as the wild child; their snob vs. slob relationship specifically (and delightfully) recalls Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in 'The Odd Couple.' 'Thanksgiving' (Aug. 17) Stream it here. For a good long while, the best film in the rather uneven filmography of the horror director Eli Roth was a short: his winking faux-trailer for a Thanksgiving-set slasher movie, one of several fictitious coming attractions used as filler for the exploitation-style double feature 'Grindhouse.' So it was good, common sense for Roth to expand that burst of laughs and gore into this 2023 feature, in which a crazed killer in pilgrim attire hacks his way through a small Massachusetts town over the holiday. Opening with a Black Friday sale gone horribly (and hilariously) awry, Roth's film deftly mixes blood-soaked suspense with witty winks to previous holiday horror classics like 'Halloween' and 'Silent Night, Deadly Night.' 'Gangs of London': Seasons 1-2 (Aug. 19) Stream it here. The kinetic action movie director Gareth Evans ('The Raid: Redemption,' 'Havoc') created (with Matt Flannery) this kinetic, thrilling adaptation of the London Studio video game. And while the phrase 'video game adaptation' may not promise much, Evans — who wrote and directed several key early episodes — and a pool of talented writers and directors make 'Gangs' into a pulpy, breathless blast. And there are no slouches in the cast: Joe Cole ('Peaky Blinders') is terrific as the heir apparent to a London crime family while Colm Meaney is ferocious as his father and mentor. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The leading man we didn't know we needed is a 50-year-old 'daddy' with a heart of gold
Women love him. Men want to be him. Everyone can't wait to see what Pedro Pascal does next. He can play a romantic lead. He can steal scenes in prestige dramas. He can suit up for Marvel. And he can do it all in a way that makes women — and men — swoon. In the heat of summer blockbuster season, you can't miss Pedro Pascal at your movie theater. 'I'm everywherrrrrrrrrrrrrre 👥👥👥👥👥' Pascal playfully captioned a June Instagram post about one of his latest films, Eddington. And he's right. Right now, he's starring in three of the summer's most talked-about movies: Materialists, Eddington and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. His reign isn't limited to the big screen. In addition to dominating multiplexes, he nabbed another Emmy nomination for his role in The Last of Us and has continued to stir conversation about his fashion sense, viral interview responses and general sense of whimsy. It's a pivotal time for Pascal — a 50-year-old actor finally having the breakout moment he worked for his whole life, generating a rabid fan army that's passionate about his upbeat and empathetic persona. But being everywhere has its price. Pascal truly broke out in January 2023 when he starred as the morally complex post-apocalyptic father figure Joel in The Last of Us, which led to a Saturday Night Live hosting gig, which earned him an Emmy nomination and a key role in Gladiator II. As his stardom was reaching inferno levels ahead of the 2024 awards season, he got hurt tackling Paul Mescal while filming Gladiator II. Then, he got hurt again after falling down the stairs. Being in his late 40s, he couldn't recover as quickly as younger actors who were also breaking out as action heroes. Jason Walsh, Pascal's trainer who has also been his friend since 2014, tells Yahoo he saw Pascal go through 'a downward spiral.' 'When he came to me, he was like, 'I'm broken.' He was very vulnerable psychologically,' he said. Pascal, no stranger to the long road to stardom, began an excruciating journey to recovery. Walsh said he and the actor spent a full year just working on 'restabilizing' his body and helping him overcome the fear of being hurt again. Eventually, through setting small goals and working closely together, Pascal attained the strength needed to become a superhero and do most of his own stunts. 'It's one of my favorite stories, and it happened to a good friend … I'm really proud of him because these stories don't get told, because in the world of fitness, it's all about aesthetics,' Walsh says. 'He looks f***ing great, but this is his version of strength and resiliency. He's able to do all these things.' Yahoo reached out to Pascal's team for comment, but he wasn't able to respond due to his schedule. Walsh can't say enough kind things about Pascal, whom he called 'a beautiful person and so courageous' and 'super intelligent to the point where it's intimidating, in a way, but he doesn't rub your face in it.' Pascal's ability to, despite injury, challenge the masculinity norms for middle-aged men in Hollywood stands out to Walsh. 'There's a level of empathy, compassion and love [that is among the] many qualities you don't see in men anymore,' Walsh says. What his friends love about him is also what's won him such a supportive fanbase. That's part of the reason his ascension to superstar happened so swiftly. Once people knew about him, they couldn't get enough. He's just different. 'Vulnerability is a strength' It's no accident that Pascal is ascending at a time when 'toxic masculinity and nationalism' are converging, Deepak Sharma, a culture expert and professor at Case Western Reserve University who uses they/them pronouns, tells Yahoo. 'Pedro offers a kind of masculinity that isn't binary, and people love it,' Sharma explains. 'He presents himself in a way where you can't really pinpoint [his sexuality] … and you see him showing a vulnerable sensibility in his acting and daily life.' Masculinity norms in the Latino community can be even stricter than those in the general population. Pascal knows this firsthand — as the child of Chilean refugees, he has defied stereotypical machismo and advocated for gender equality long before the spotlight was shining brightly on him. Longtime fan Isabelle Deveaux, a 26-year-old who works in the film industry, first became obsessed with Pascal when he appeared in the first season of an FBI drama called Graceland, which premiered on the USA Network in 2013 — before mainstream media took an interest in him in Game of Thrones or The Mandalorian. She tells Yahoo that she tends to keep an eye out for Latinx people in Hollywood like herself. 'He just feels like Princess Diana to me right now. There's a video of him greeting fans out of a car in Mexico City, and I was like, 'That's literally Princess Diana greeting the masses,'' she says. 'He's been grinding for 25-plus years to get where he is, and it wasn't an easy path for him. … I don't think it's a trend. I think it's the fruit of his labor.' Because he's so personable and Deveaux has been rooting for him for so long, she says Pascal feels like one of her friends. That makes her feel even more invested in his success. 'Everything is so bleak, but at least it's Pedro Pascal summer, and I can go see him in everything,' she says. Fans aren't the only people moved by Pascal. The entire Hollywood machine is impressed. Annie Semenova, an acting coach, tells Yahoo that Pascal is —simply put — really good at his job. 'Pascal understands something fundamental that many actors miss: Vulnerability is strength. … He brings a lived-in authenticity that makes audiences feel safe enough to invest emotionally,' she says. 'He's proven he can carry both intimate character studies and tentpole blockbusters because he approaches each with the same level of preparation and emotional honesty.' Fans admire his emotional depth — they aren't just calling him 'Daddy' because he's hot, though he certainly is. The title he's been given isn't exclusively about his looks or his age. He takes on protective roles that inspire people to match his vulnerability with their own. 'It's the natural result of an actor who embodies masculine vulnerability, emotional intelligence and genuine warmth,' Semenova adds. To some, he's Daddy. To others, he's a meme and a progressive icon. All are correct, pop culture historian Marie Nicola tells Yahoo. He's so rare, it's no wonder he inspires such intense fan behavior. 'He's a reflection of us, the audience. Pascal is the first leading man built by the female gaze, the queer gaze and fandom culture — not the male fantasy industrial complex,' she says. 'He belongs to the people' It's also impressive that Pascal has held key roles in several shows and franchises integral to geek culture: the fantasy series Game of Thrones, Star Wars vehicle The Mandalorian, video game adaptation The Last of Us and comic book movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps. He's transitioned seamlessly from franchise to franchise, treating the source material and fandoms involved with dignity and respect. 'He was not cast into stardom. He was assembled — claimed by femmes, nerds, queer fans, Latino communities, moms, dads and those who are emotionally fluent in internet culture,' Nicola explains. 'He belongs to the people who need him to be whatever they want him to be at any given moment, and in that moment, Pascal is always down for it.' Several fans tell Yahoo that they're struck by how Pascal remains politically outspoken in favor of transgender and immigrant rights despite campaigning for major acting awards and leading a blockbuster superhero film. He frequently speaks out on behalf of the LGBTQ community and brings his transgender sister, Lux, to events. That contrasts with the strategy many other stars are employing in the current political climate. Stacy Jones, CEO of influencer marketing company Hollywood Branded, tells Yahoo this is extremely rare — not just the bravery, but the continued widespread support. 'He's walked that tightrope because he leads with empathy, not ego. He doesn't posture. He uses his voice in moments that matter, and audiences respect that,' she explains. 'This current moment [for Pascal] is the result of smart career choices, solid personal branding and real emotional intelligence. He earned trust, and in today's celebrity landscape, trust is the new currency.' On July 17 — with two movies in theaters and a major superhero film on the way — Pascal posted on Instagram about how the Trump administration would soon close the national suicide hotline for transgender youth. ''Maybe kindness is the real punk rock,'' one fan commented on Pascal's post, referencing a line from the new Superman movie, a rare blockbuster the actor doesn't have a role in. Empathy, a rejection of traditional masculinity and activism are not the kinds of things you see a lot from superheroes, but Pascal is in a league of his own — different from his peers in just about every way possible. He is, as his Instagram handle @pascalispunk suggests, punk. Solve the daily Crossword
