Actor duo Pedro Pascal and Steven Yeun share a connection through their joint involvement in the undead kinship of a zombie series.
In a thought-provoking conversation for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series, Pedro Pascal and Steven Yeun, stars of acclaimed post-apocalyptic series "The Last of Us" and "The Walking Dead," respectively, shared insights into the demands and emotional complexity of portraying characters in intense, survival-driven narratives.
The discussion highlighted the exploration of human resilience, vulnerability, and the complexities of connection amid devastation. They delved into the challenge of bringing authenticity to characters who navigate moral ambiguity and trauma in bleak worlds.
Both actors reflected on the emotional toll and psychological complexity of living in post-apocalyptic settings. Pascal, who plays Joel in "The Last of Us," praised Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, for bringing out the best in him. Yeun, who starred as Glenn in "The Walking Dead," noticed Pascal's talent early on while watching "The Walking Dead."
The conversation underscored their appreciation for roles that push them artistically and connect with fans navigating uncertain times. They reflected on universal themes of hope and endurance amidst collapse.
Yeun mentioned that working in end-of-the-world scenarios allows for a world with no rules. Pascal interjected to mention a world that wasn't broken. The Last of Us team feels a connection to the cast of The Walking Dead, with Pascal praising Yeun for opening doors for performers like him.
The crossover energy between the two shows and their crews was evident, as Pascal and Ramsey were paired as the found-family unit in "The Last of Us." In a unique crossover event, Joel and Glenn had a conversation.
At the end of "The Last of Us's" first season, Joel found himself at a destination that wasn't entirely what he signed up for. Yeun, with experience with daunting and dark cliffhangers due to his role in "The Walking Dead," appreciated Pascal's graciousness and lack of judgment in his performance.
Both shows share a similar narrative and audience appeal, with Pascal enjoying the permission to feel and contain emotions in his performance. The impact of working in groundbreaking, culturally significant genre series was also discussed, with both shows expanding the scope and depth of post-apocalyptic storytelling for television audiences.
This pairing was part of Variety Studio’s "Actors on Actors," which allows actors from prominent projects to engage in candid conversations about their craft and experiences on set. The conversation underscored their shared respect and admiration for each other's work, making it a memorable event for fans of both series.
- In an interview for Gizmodo, the topic of technology's role in creating immersive experiences for movies-and-tv shows, such as "The Last of Us" and "The Walking Dead," was raised.
- The future of post-apocalyptic storytelling in entertainment was a topic of discussion between Pedro Pascal and Steven Yeun on io9, focusing on how their shows continue to challenge and expand the genre.
- Following their appearance on Variety's "Actors on Actors" series, it was revealed that Pascal and Yeun are considering collaborating on a project that combines their shared interests in technology, entertainment, and post-apocalyptic storytelling.
