Pedro Pascal Addresses Dating Rumors with The Last of Us Season 2 Co-Star: Fan Frenzy Erupts

Hollywood heartthrob Pedro Pascal has found himself at the center of a swirling storm of rumors, with fans buzzing about an alleged romance with a new female co-star in The Last of Us Season 2. The hit HBO series, set to premiere on April 13, 2025, has already garnered massive attention for its gripping post-apocalyptic narrative and stellar performances. However, the latest gossip surrounding Pascal’s personal life has shifted the spotlight from the show’s anticipated plot to the actor’s off-screen dynamics. As whispers of a secret relationship gain traction, fans are divided, with some dismissing the rumors as a publicity stunt and others digging into Pascal’s past to uncover clues about his romantic history.

The Last of Us: A Phenomenon That Keeps Growing

The Last of Us Season 1, which debuted in 2023, quickly became one of HBO’s most successful video game adaptations, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and harrowing depiction of a world ravaged by a fungal infection. Pedro Pascal, starring as the gruff yet tender Joel Miller, and Bella Ramsey, as the resilient Ellie, delivered performances that earned widespread acclaim. The season finale alone drew 8.2 million viewers on its release day, a testament to the show’s global appeal. Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, the series struck a chord with both gamers and new viewers, blending heart-wrenching storytelling with intense survival drama.

Season 2, set to pick up five years after the events of the first season, promises to delve deeper into Joel and Ellie’s strained relationship while introducing new characters and challenges. The addition of actors like Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino has heightened anticipation, with creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann teasing a darker, more complex narrative. Filmed in British Columbia from February to August 2024, the season is expected to explore the fallout from Joel’s actions in the Season 1 finale, adapting key moments from the 2020 game The Last of Us Part II. With such high stakes, it’s no surprise that the show remains a cultural juggernaut—but it’s Pascal’s rumored romance that has fans in a frenzy.

The Rumor: A Secret Romance on Set?

The speculation began when a trending post on X claimed that Pedro Pascal was romantically involved with a new female actress joining The Last of Us Season 2. The post, which gained thousands of likes and retweets, pointed to “intimate moments” between Pascal and the unnamed co-star during a promotional event for the upcoming season. While the actress’s identity remains unconfirmed, many have speculated that it could be Kaitlyn Dever, who plays the pivotal role of Abby, a character central to the season’s conflict. A clip from an Entertainment Weekly interview, featuring Pascal and Dever discussing their roles, added fuel to the fire, with fans analyzing their body language for signs of chemistry.

Social media erupted with reactions, with some fans convinced that the interactions were more than professional. “Pedro and [redacted] looked way too cozy at that event—there’s definitely something going on,” one X user wrote. Others, however, were skeptical, arguing that the rumors were a calculated move to drum up buzz for the show. “This screams PR stunt to me,” another user commented. “They know Pedro’s the internet’s boyfriend, so they’re playing it up.” The debate has only intensified as fans have begun digging into Pascal’s past relationships, hoping to find patterns that might lend credence to the rumors.

Pedro Pascal: Hollywood’s Beloved “Daddy”

At 50 years old, Pedro Pascal has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Often dubbed the “internet’s daddy” for his protective, fatherly roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pascal has a reputation for being both immensely talented and genuinely kind. His breakout role as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones (2014) put him on the map, followed by standout performances in Narcos (2015–2017) and The Mandalorian (2019–2023). His portrayal of Joel Miller in The Last of Us earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award, further cementing his place in the industry.

Off-screen, Pascal is known for his warmth and humility. At a press conference for The Last of Us Season 2, he spoke about the emotional toll of the role, admitting, “This experience, more than any other I’ve had, is hard for me to separate what the characters are going through and how it makes me feel.” His co-star Bella Ramsey has also praised their close bond, calling them “the dream team” and noting how comfortable they felt reuniting for Season 2. Pascal’s ability to connect with his co-stars has endeared him to fans, but it’s also made him a frequent subject of dating rumors—a pattern that has followed him throughout his career.

A History of Speculation

Pascal has long been a private figure when it comes to his romantic life, which has only fueled speculation over the years. In the 1990s, he was rumored to have dated actress Maria Dizzia, with whom he appeared in a 2008 episode of Law & Order. In 2014, fans linked him to Game of Thrones co-star Lena Headey after she posted a photo of them together captioned “Sunshine love,” though Headey later confirmed the father of her child was filmmaker Dan Cadan. A year later, Pascal was spotted with The Mentalist actress Robin Tunney, sparking more rumors, but Tunney was engaged to Nick Marmet at the time.

More recently, Pascal addressed rumors about a romance with Jennifer Aniston after they were spotted having dinner together in March 2025. “We’re friends and we went to dinner with mutual friends,” he told E! News at the The Last of Us Season 2 premiere, dispelling the speculation with his characteristic charm. Despite these recurring rumors, Pascal has never confirmed a public relationship, leading many to wonder if the latest gossip about his The Last of Us co-star holds any truth.

The Fan Divide and the Bigger Picture

The rumors about Pascal’s alleged romance have split fans into two camps. On one side are those who believe the actor is hiding a genuine relationship, pointing to his private nature as evidence that he might be keeping a romance under wraps. “Pedro’s always been super secretive about his love life, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s dating someone on the down-low,” an X user speculated. Others, however, see the rumors as a distraction from the show itself. “Can we focus on how amazing Season 2 is going to be instead of Pedro’s dating life?” another fan pleaded.

The controversy highlights the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities in the age of social media, where every interaction is dissected for hidden meaning. For Pascal, who has spoken about the personal impact of his role in The Last of Us, the added attention on his private life may be an unwelcome burden. At the same time, the rumors have undeniably generated buzz for the show, raising questions about whether they were fueled by strategic PR efforts.

What’s Next for Pascal and The Last of Us?

As The Last of Us Season 2 prepares to premiere, Pedro Pascal remains focused on his craft. In addition to his role as Joel, he’s set to star in major projects like The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) and Avengers: Doomsday (2026), solidifying his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. Whether the dating rumors are true or not, they’ve added an extra layer of intrigue to the show’s rollout, ensuring that all eyes will be on Pascal when the season debuts.

For now, fans will have to wait and see if Pascal addresses the rumors directly—or if the mystery of his personal life remains just that. As one X user put it, “Pedro Pascal’s love life is the real post-apocalyptic enigma we’re all trying to survive.” With The Last of Us Season 2 on the horizon, the drama on and off the screen is only just beginning.