Pedro Pascal’s Viral “Anxiety” Memes: Co-Star Interactions & Online Debate Explored
Pedro Pascal, the beloved star of The Last of Us and The Mandalorian, has once again taken the internet by storm—but this time, it’s not just for his acting chops. A series of behind-the-scenes photos and videos showing Pascal with an anxious expression have gone viral, spawning countless memes and sparking debates among fans.
From his co-stars’ hilarious reactions to online discussions dissecting the origins of these memes, the phenomenon has become a cultural moment. Let’s dive into how these “anxiety” memes started, the best reactions, and why fans can’t get enough of them.
How the “Anxiety” Memes Started
The trend began when behind-the-scenes footage from The Last of Us set surfaced online, showing Pascal mid-conversation with co-star Bella Ramsey. In the clip, Pascal appears to be listening intently with a slightly pained, nervous expression—a look fans immediately related to.
Soon, the screenshot was paired with captions like:
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“Me trying to act normal in a social situation.”
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“When someone asks if I’m okay and I say yes.”
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“Pedro Pascal is all of us with social anxiety.”
The meme quickly spread across Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram, with fans using the image to depict relatable moments of stress, awkwardness, and existential dread.
Watch the Original Clip Here:
Co-Stars & Celebrities React
Pedro Pascal’s co-stars and fellow celebrities couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie in The Last of Us, tweeted:
“Pedro’s face is a whole mood. Can confirm he makes this expression at least 20 times a day.”
Meanwhile, Mandalorian co-star Giancarlo Esposito jokingly added in an interview:
“Pedro’s ‘anxiety face’ is his secret weapon. He uses it when we’re improvising, and it’s impossible not to laugh.”
Even non-Hollywood figures got involved, with one viral tweet from a therapist humorously analyzing:
*”Pedro Pascal’s expression is a textbook example of ‘polite panic’—a common reaction in high-pressure social interactions. 10/10 relatable content.”*
The Online Debate: Why Are These Memes So Popular?
While most fans found the memes hilarious, some questioned whether turning Pascal’s candid moments into jokes was fair. A Reddit thread debated:
“Is it weird that we’re laughing at what might just be him having a normal day? Or is it harmless fun?”
Others defended the trend, arguing that memes thrive on exaggerated relatability. As one Twitter user put it:
“It’s not about mocking Pedro—it’s about seeing a famous person make the same face we all do when we’re stressed. That’s why it’s funny.”
Pascal himself hasn’t directly addressed the memes, but given his history of engaging with fan culture (remember his Mandalorian helmet TikTok?), it’s likely he’s taking it in stride.
The Best Fan-Made Memes
The creativity of fans knows no bounds. Some of the best edits include:
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“Pedro Pascal watching the 2024 election results” (with a zoom-in on his anxious face)
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“When you hear ‘We need to talk’ from your boss” (featuring the meme alongside a sweating emoji)
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“Me pretending to understand my friend’s tech rant“ (with Pascal nodding nervously)
TikTok users even turned the meme into a trend, using the clip in “POV” videos where they lip-sync awkward conversations.
Conclusion: Why This Meme Resonates
Pedro Pascal’s “anxiety” memes work because they’re universally relatable. Whether it’s work stress, social awkwardness, or just daily life struggles, seeing a Hollywood A-lister make the same face we all do is oddly comforting.
As the internet continues to evolve, so will the ways we engage with celebrities. And if there’s one thing we know, Pedro Pascal will always be at the center of it—whether he’s saving the galaxy in The Mandalorian or unintentionally becoming the king of meme culture.
What do you think of the trend? Love it or over it? Let us know in the comments!
