Recent appearance of Pedro Pascal at the London premiere of “Thunderbolts” on April 23, 2025, has drawn significant attention, particularly for his public support of transgender rights following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on April 16, 2025. This report provides a detailed examination of the event, Pascal’s actions, the context of the Supreme Court decision, and the broader implications, based on current news coverage and public statements.
Key Points
- Research suggests Pedro Pascal supported transgender rights at the London premiere of “Thunderbolts” on April 23, 2025.
- It seems likely he wore a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, designed by Conner Ives, to show solidarity with trans women.
- The evidence leans toward this act being a response to the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on April 16, 2025, defining “woman” by biological sex, which has sparked controversy.
Background
Pedro Pascal, known for roles in “The Last of Us” and “Game of Thrones,” has been vocal about transgender rights, especially given his sister Lux Pascal came out as transgender in 2021. His actions at the premiere align with ongoing debates about transgender rights, particularly following the UK Supreme Court’s decision.
Event Details
At the London premiere of “Thunderbolts” on April 23, 2025, Pascal wore a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, a design by Conner Ives that supports trans women, who are affectionately called “dolls” in the LGBTQ+ community. This occurred a week after the UK Supreme Court’s ruling, which has been seen as a setback for trans rights by some.
Context of the Ruling
The UK Supreme Court ruled on April 16, 2025, that under the Equality Act 2010, “woman” refers to biological sex, excluding transgender women. This decision has been controversial, with some celebrating it as clarity for single-sex spaces, while others, including trans rights activists, describe it as devastating, potentially affecting access to services and employment rights.
Project Overview
Pedro Pascal, a 50-year-old actor known for his roles in “The Last of Us,” “Game of Thrones,” and upcoming MCU projects like “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and “Avengers: Doomsday,” attended the European premiere of Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” at Cineworld Leicester Square in London. The film, set for release on May 2, 2025, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features an ensemble cast including Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan. However, Pascal’s appearance was notable not for his role in the film but for his fashion statement supporting transgender rights, especially in light of the recent UK Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court’s decision on April 16, 2025, interpreted the terms “woman” and “sex” under the Equality Act 2010 to refer strictly to biological sex assigned at birth, excluding transgender women, even those with gender recognition certificates (GRCs). This ruling, stemming from a case brought by For Women Scotland against the Scottish government’s Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018, has been described as a significant setback for trans rights, with potential ramifications for access to single-sex services, sports, and employment protections.
Pascal’s Statement and Action
At the premiere, Pascal wore a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt, designed by London-based American designer Conner Ives, which gained attention during Ives’ Fall-Winter 2025 show at London Fashion Week earlier in the year. The phrase “Protect the Dolls” is seen as a show of solidarity with trans women, who are affectionately dubbed “dolls” by the LGBTQ+ community. Pascal had previously worn this shirt during his 50th birthday celebration on April 6, 2025, indicating a consistent stance on the issue.
His choice of attire at the premiere, just a week after the Supreme Court ruling, was widely interpreted as a direct response to the decision, which has sparked global protests and criticism from figures like Nicola Coughlan, who called it “disgusting.” Pascal’s action aligns with his personal connection to the issue, as his sister, Lux Pascal, came out as transgender in 2021, and he has been vocal in supporting her and the broader trans community, as seen in previous social media posts and interviews.
Context of the UK Supreme Court Ruling
The UK Supreme Court’s ruling on April 16, 2025, concluded a long-running dispute between feminist advocacy groups and the Scottish government, focusing on the definition of “woman” in equality laws. The court, led by Justice Patrick Hodge, ruled unanimously that the Equality Act’s terms refer to biological sex, not gender identity, overturning earlier decisions by Scottish courts. This decision has been celebrated by gender-critical groups like For Women Scotland, with co-director Susan Smith stating, “Sex is real, and women can now feel safe that services and spaces designated for women are for women,” as reported by Reuters.
However, trans rights organizations, such as TransActual and Amnesty International UK, have expressed disappointment, with TransActual’s chair Helen Belcher stating, “Trans communities are devastated by today’s ruling,” as noted by TransActual. The ruling is seen as potentially leading to greater restrictions on trans women’s access to services and contributing to an atmosphere of hostility, with Scottish Trans urging people not to panic but awaiting further clarification, as reported by The Independent.
The decision has global implications, adding to a rollback of protections for trans people, as noted by TIME, and contrasts with protections in other jurisdictions, such as the US, where federal sex discrimination laws extend to transgender people, according to the Human Rights Campaign, as mentioned by TIME.
Actor Background and Representation
To provide a fuller picture, here is a detailed profile of Pedro Pascal, including his representation and upcoming projects, highlighting his suitability for making such a public statement:
| Detail | Pedro Pascal |
|---|---|
| Role in Film | Not specified in “Thunderbolts,” attended as supporter |
| Upcoming Projects | – “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (2026) – “Avengers: Doomsday” (2026) |
| Notable Past Work | – “The Last of Us” (2023, HBO) – “Game of Thrones” (2014-2019) |
| Additional Notes | Represented by CAA, sister Lux Pascal is transgender, known for advocacy |
This table underscores Pascal’s platform and personal connection, reinforcing the significance of his statement at the premiere.
Public and Industry Reaction
Pascal’s appearance was met with positive reactions from fans and media, with headlines like “Pedro Pascal supports transgender rights with ‘iconic’ move at Thunderbolts premiere after UK gender ruling” by The Standard. An X post by Emily Murray, a freelancer journalist, highlighted the shirt’s impact, stating, “Pedro Pascal wearing ‘Protect the Dolls’ at the Thunderbolts premiere is a powerful statement,” as seen on X. This reflects the broader conversation around trans rights, with other celebrities like Lady Gaga and Madonna also supporting the community, as noted by ThePrint.
Implications and Cultural Impact
Pascal’s action at the premiere underscores the ongoing debate around transgender rights, particularly in the UK, where the Supreme Court’s ruling has galvanized calls to revisit the Equality Act, as mentioned by The Guardian. His support aligns with movements for inclusivity, challenging the rollback of protections and highlighting the personal stakes, given his family connection. The “Protect the Dolls” shirt, part of Ives’ collection aiming to highlight threats to trans rights worldwide, as explained in an interview with The New York Times, adds to the cultural conversation, making Pascal’s appearance a significant moment in Hollywood’s engagement with social issues.