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In an era of endless online division, actors Jonathan Bailey and Pedro Pascal are leading a heatwave of positive masculinity and infectious charm, proving that Hollywood’s leading men can be both aspirational and refreshingly real. Their secret? A shared, simple principle: it’s more than okay to have fun with fame.
The internet has found its undisputed sweethearts. From dazzling red carpet appearances to viral interviews, Bailey and Pascal have captured the public’s affection by embracing their roles with a blend of humor, genuine kindness, and outspoken advocacy. They are the drama-free, fun-loving icons audiences are clamoring for, and their stars are only set to rise higher in 2025.
Jonathan Bailey: From ‘Bridgerton’ Heartthrob to Jurassic Hero
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First capturing global attention as the dashing Viscount Anthony in Netflix’s Regency-era smash “Bridgerton,” Jonathan Bailey has since demonstrated remarkable range. His recent turn as the charismatic Prince Fiyero in the first installment of the “Wicked” movie musical further solidified his status as a bona fide star.
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But it’s Bailey’s off-screen persona that has truly cemented his place in the public’s heart. His recent appearance on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s “Chicken Shop Date” became an instant classic, showcasing his quick wit and flirtatious energy. The blush-inducing exchange, where Bailey playfully discussed the potential for his Beyoncé concert attire to “evolve as the night goes on,” is a prime example of his disarmingly wholesome yet devilishly charming appeal.
This year, Bailey is set to roar onto the big screen in the highly anticipated “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” starring alongside Scarlett Johansson. The film has already generated significant buzz, not least because of Bailey’s eyewear in the trailer, affectionately dubbed the “slutty little glasses” by fans online.
Embracing the viral moment with characteristic good humor, Bailey told Entertainment Tonight he was “thrilled that people are having a hormonal explosion linked to optical supports.” He channeled this internet fame into a force for good, partnering with eyewear brand Cubitts on a limited-edition pair of sunglasses. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Shameless Fund, a charity Bailey established to support the LGBTQ+ community in living authentically.
His talents aren’t limited to acting. A gifted musician, Bailey fulfilled a lifelong dream by playing the clarinet for the “Jurassic World: Rebirth” score at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, a moment he described as “a total dream come true.” Fans can look forward to seeing him reprise his role as Fiyero in “Wicked: For Good” later this year.
Pedro Pascal: The Internet’s “Daddy” and A Champion for Change
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Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal’s reign as the internet’s favorite “daddy” continues unabated. The versatile actor has been a ubiquitous presence, breaking hearts in the acclaimed second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” and starring in Celine Song’s thoughtful anti-rom-com, “The Materialists.” This month alone, he is slated to appear in Ari Aster’s enigmatic drama “Eddington” and will make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the much-anticipated “Fantastic Four.”
Beyond his packed filming schedule, which also includes the upcoming “The Mandalorian & Grogu” movie, Pascal has become a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community. He created a viral stir in April when he sported a “protect the dolls” t-shirt at a Marvel premiere, a clear message of support for the transgender community, including his sister, Lux Pascal. The shirt, designed by Conner Ives, directs all profits to Trans Lifeline, a vital support charity.
The “Pascal craze” is a tangible phenomenon. A lookalike contest in New York City drew massive crowds, and his co-stars frequently sing his praises. “It’s the Pedro takeover,” gushed “Eddington” co-star Emma Stone. Even industry titan Robert Downey Jr. has lauded Pascal’s journey, telling Vanity Fair, “Pascal’s slow trajectory to becoming a household name who is on a wildly hot streak kind of reaffirms my faith in our industry.”
Having celebrated his 50th birthday this year, Pascal remains playfully modest about his career renaissance. “What a silly thing for a 50-year-old man—to have all this attention!” he remarked.
Silly? The internet would disagree. Superb is more like it. In Bailey and Pascal, audiences have found two stars who aren’t just playing heroes on screen—they’re embodying a more joyful, authentic, and inspiring version of celebrity for the modern age.
Source: CNN Entertainment
