From iPhone Selfie to Global Stardom: Pedro Pascal's Unconventional Path to Game of Thrones

Several years ago, when HBO was searching for the perfect actor to play the role of Prince Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, they found an unexpected candidate in Pedro Pascal. At the time, Pascal was an unknown name trying to break into the industry, but he had one thing going for him: the belief of his friend, Sarah Paulson, who helped get his audition in front of the right eyes.

Pascal's audition tape was far from polished – it was a simple iPhone selfie video, shot in a vertical format on an outdated device. However, his powerful performance and raw talent shone through, impressing the show's creators, David Benioff and Dan Weiss. Despite the shaky visuals, Pascal nailed the emotional weight and complexity of the character, capturing the perfect blend of seduction and menace that Oberyn Martell demanded.

Benioff later acknowledged that Pascal's unconventional audition tape was a gamble, but one that paid off handsomely. The role of Oberyn Martell proved to be a breakout moment for Pascal, opening the doors to his global stardom. Today, he is a household name, known for his acclaimed performances in shows like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us.