Pedro Pascal Describes Robert Downey Jr. as ‘Daddy Doomsday’ and the Internet Has Seemingly Had Enough

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In a recent chat, actor Pedro Pascal playfully called his Avengers: Endgame colleague Robert Downey Jr. “Daddy Doomsday.

Often recognized for his performances in popular movies such as The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and the newly released Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pascal has gained prominence in online conversations. Yet, a particular aspect of his public image – the recurring “daddy” meme that’s hard to ignore – has ignited quite a bit of discussion.

Regarding the forthcoming movie and collaborating with the pioneer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pascal expressed his feelings about Downey by saying, “He’s a treat! Working with him is an absolute blast. To us, he’s like ‘Daddy Doomsday.’

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the “Daddy Doomsday” remark has sparked renewed discussions about Pascal’s on-set dynamics with his fellow actors. His past instances of disquieting physical contact with actresses such as Bella Ramsay, Sarah Paulson, and Vanessa Kirby have left many movie enthusiasts across the globe feeling weary and disheartened.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice how frequently he uses the “daddy” term, which some find endearing, but others perceive as overbearing, relentless, and frankly uncomfortable.

The Birth of “Internet Daddy”

The nickname “daddy” isn’t exclusive to Pascal; it’s a more general internet term that is frequently used endearingly (or in a flirtatious manner) for well-known, older male figures who possess a blend of paternal care, attractiveness, and allure.

In 2019, my career took an exciting turn with the unforgettable role of Din Djarin in “The Mandalorian.” As a helmeted bounty hunter who unwittingly became a protective father figure to the adorable Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda, I struck a chord with viewers. The tender paternal vibe sparked a meme sensation that continues to thrive today.

By the year 2022, I had firmly established myself in the role. In a video for Vanity Fair, I boldly stated, “Daddy is a state of being,” as I interacted with fan edits and enthusiastic tweets. During promotions for The Last of Us in 2023, where I played Joel Miller, another rugged father figure guarding a young girl in a post-apocalyptic setting, I embraced the title even further.

In interviews, Pascal expressed that the origin of the title wasn’t solely based on his physical resemblance but more so on the paternal roles he played. He described it as having a hint of job-relatedness or role-playing.

On social media platforms such as TikTok and others, the meme gained significant traction, garnering attention with collections labeled “5 Reasons Why Pedro Pascal Is the Online Father Figure” that accumulated numerous views on YouTube.

Pascal’s Insistent Embrace

One way to rephrase this in a more natural and easy-to-read manner is: What makes Pascal unique is his active involvement with the meme, transforming it from something created by fans into something endorsed by him. During an interview on the 2023 Today Show, he acknowledged the meme directly, crediting it to his TV dads but also playfully taking responsibility for it himself. He’s read thirsty tweets out loud, joking about being a “daddy,” and even integrated it into comedy skits, such as on Saturday Night Live where he parodied the obsession by mimicking the meme in a skit.

More recently, Pascal has broadened the term’s usage beyond himself. In a July 2025 interview that caused quite a stir, he playfully referred to acting against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom as “a delightful experience” and “entertaining,” further stating, “He’s affectionately known as ‘Daddy Doomsday’ by us all.

It’s not just this instance; it appears he has employed similar playful language towards his co-stars such as Oscar Isaac, whom he has affectionately joked about in interviews. An article from Screen Speck published in 2023 highlighted how Pascal casually referred to himself as “daddy” in fan interactions, making the boundary between humor and habit somewhat unclear.

This persistent behavior has sparked critics to brand it as an “all-consuming preoccupation,” with Vanity Fair lately reinforcing this image, making it seem grandiose and overwhelming.

The Backlash: Why Many Find It Off-Putting

Over time, some online users have expressed growing discomfort with Pascal’s frequent use of memes, finding them to be awkward, unnatural, and even unsettling.

Gross, stop using the term daddy. You’re like 60

— Nate, or, Mr H Reviews (@MrHreviews) July 29, 2025

Following the “Daddy Doomsday” comment, X erupted with negative replies.

Ok I take it all back this man gives off some creepy vibes

— Diego (@Dieggo) July 30, 2025

More recent criticism has become entangled with non-connected issues, such as allegations of excessive familiarity with colleagues (originally perceived as a sign of anxiety), thereby intensifying the impression of discomfort or unease.

Or simply:
The backlash he’s facing has combined with unrelated scandals, including accusations about being too friendly with co-stars due to “anxiety”, which further enhances the feeling that something is amiss.

This crap makes me want to never see a Marvel movie again.

— DolceDJ (@DolceDJ) July 30, 2025

The “daddy” meme featuring Pedro Pascal has taken on a form that some view as excessive, given his frequent references to it during interviews. Fans find this behavior unsettling because it seems insincere, repetitive, and at times, borderline uncomfortable.

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2025-08-01 17:48