Pedro Pascal Leads Star-Studded Race To Play Hollywood’s Next Pope

From intergalactic bounty hunter to Hollywood’s go-to father figure, Pedro Pascal has played a wide range of iconic roles, but could the next one be his most divine yet?

The internet is ablaze with buzz that the Emmy-nominated actor is the top choice to play the next on-screen pope, whether that be in a movie or a television series.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, multiple insiders claim Pedro Pascal is “the favorite” to take on a holy role in a possible high-profile project.

Known for his standout performances in “The Last of Us,” “The Mandalorian,” and “Game of Thrones,” Pascal has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars in recent years, and apparently, even the fictional Vatican can’t resist his charisma.

While rumors swirl around Pedro Pascal potentially taking on the role of the next on-screen pope, betting markets are already placing their wagers, and the odds are heavenly in his favor.

In an email sent to The Blast, The Action Network reports that Pascal is the clear favorite in the entertainment market, with odds of 2/1 (+200) and a 33.3% implied probability of landing the role. That puts him comfortably ahead of the competition.

“Casting the next pope isn’t just about religious authority. It’s become a dramatic and symbolic choice,” a spokesperson for The Action Network said in an email sent to The Blast. “These odds weigh everything from industry buzz to acting range to who can wear the mitre with cinematic swagger.”

Right behind him is “Moon Knight” star Oscar Isaac, sitting at 4/1 (+400), with a 20% chance. While not far-fetched, especially given his past collaborations with Pascal, Isaac trails by a noticeable margin.

Respected British stage actor Mark Rylance rounds out the top three at 5/1 (+500), followed by Tom Hiddleston (6/1), Chiwetel Ejiofor (7/1), and Michael Fassbender (8/1).

Further down the holy hierarchy, the list includes Mads Mikkelsen: 10/1 (+1000), Liam Neeson: 12/1 (+1200), Ciarán Hinds: 14/1 (+1400), and Ben Kingsley: 16/1 (+1600).

The papal spotlight has never burned brighter, especially since the passing of Pope Francis, which has ignited global speculation, political maneuvering, and now, a surprising nod to Hollywood.

One hundred and thirty-three cardinal electors entered the Sistine Chapel last week to vote on the next leader of the Catholic Church, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. And in a twist no one saw coming, some of the men casting the most important ballots in the Catholic world reportedly turned to cinema for guidance.

According to POLITICO, several cardinals watched the new film “Conclave,” a dramatic political thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, as a way to get a feel for what’s ahead.

“Some have watched it in the cinema,” one cleric involved in the actual proceedings confessed, proving that even the most solemn institutions aren’t immune to the power of the silver screen.

Directed by Edward Berger, the film follows Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the dean of the College of Cardinals, who must wrangle fractious factions, navigate damning dossiers, and reckon with a mysterious outsider candidate, all while locked away inside the walls of the Vatican.

In the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on April 21 at the age of 88, the political-religious thriller “Conclave” saw a jaw-dropping spike in viewership, with fans around the world turning to the film for a dramatized glimpse into what happens behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel.

According to Wired, the Ralph Fiennes-led drama experienced a 283% surge in watch time. The film logged 1.8 million minutes viewed on April 20, but that number skyrocketed to 6.9 million minutes just one day later, on the very day of the pope’s death. The data, tracked by Luminate, underscores how the public is seeking answers, insight, and maybe a little cinematic drama in the wake of this historic moment.

But “Conclave” isn’t the only papal pick getting renewed attention. Netflix’s “The Two Popes,” starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, also saw a massive bump in viewership of a staggering 417% increase.

With global attention now focused on both the real Vatican and its cinematic portrayal, the decision on who will wear the papal white next is shaping up to be the most buzzed-about spiritual casting of the next few years.

As Hollywood watches closely for the official confirmation, fans are lighting candles (metaphorically and probably literally), hoping their favorite star gets the blessing.

Until then, the internet seems to have already spoken. Pope Pedro Pascal. It has a nice ring to it.