The Real Reason Behind Pedro Pascal's Departure from Narcos After Season 3

Netflix's crime drama about the rise of the cocaine trade in Colombia raised questions among fans about why Pedro Pascal's role in Narcos ended after season 3. The series, which aired from 2015 to 2017, featured Pascal as DEA agent Javier Peña. Peña's character worked tirelessly for two seasons to bring down notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. After this, Peña was assigned to tackle a different cartel in season 3 before Pascal ultimately departed from the show.

Despite Narcos receiving increasing critical acclaim with each new season, the decision to end the show after three seasons came as a surprise to many. Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Peña was widely praised, making his exit a point of disappointment for fans. However, the series took a different direction, leading to the creation of the spinoff series Narcos: Mexico in 2018. While rumors circulated about Pascal's departure being contentious, the show's creator has maintained that this was not the case.

Pedro Pascal's Narcos Exit Was Always Part Of The Plan

Pedro Pascal points to a suspect board in Narcos - Pedro Pascal's Narcos Exit Was Always Part Of The Plan

While Narcos: Mexico serves as a spiritual successor to the original series, it raised questions about the shift in location from Colombia. The decision to move the crime drama to Mexico resulted in the departure of long-time protagonist Javier Peña and actor Pedro Pascal, who portrayed him. Interestingly, the real-life Javier Peña, known for investigating Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel, served as a consultant on the show. Additionally, Pascal's Narcos co-star Boyd Holbrook, who played agent Steve Murphy, left the series before season 3.

Despite the changes, Pascal was kept on for the final season of Narcos to maintain a connection with fans. However, it was always understood that Pascal's time on the show would come to an end. Showrunner Eric Newman revealed that Pascal knew about his exit in season 3, prompting discussions about whether his character should be killed off or if the door should be left open for a potential cameo appearance.

"Did Pedro Pascal Leave Narcos Due To A Real-Life Tragedy?

It was a part of the plan as early as season two. The design was always to finish out the Colombian story and the players that we’ve come to know there and then start anew in Mexico."

Javier Pena with his gun up in Narcos - Did Pedro Pascal Leave Narcos Due To A Real-Life Tragedy?

Following the tragic murder of Narcos: Mexico location scout Carlos Muñoz Portal in Hidalgo, Mexico, actor Pedro Pascal was questioned by TMZ about the incident. Pascal expressed his sorrow and worry regarding the tragedy but did not suggest that it played a role in his decision to leave the show.

Pedro Pascal Has Become A Huge Star Since Leaving Narcos

Despite rumors swirling and conflating Pascal's departure with a real-life tragedy, the actor was always meant to exit Narcos after season 3 to make way for a new story. Fortunately, things have likely worked out for the best as Pedro Pascal has had a great 2023 and beyond.

Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian in The Mandalorian - Pedro Pascal Has Become A Huge Star Since Leaving Narcos

Pedro Pascal's career has skyrocketed following his departure from Narcos. While his role on the Netflix series was a significant milestone, his achievements in the years that followed have been truly remarkable. Transitioning to the big screen, Pascal has landed roles in several blockbuster films. He portrayed the villain Maxwell Lord in the DCU movie Wonder Woman 1984, and also starred in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Equalizer 2, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and most recently appeared in Drive-Away Dolls in 2024.

Pascal has recently landed a role in the MCU, becoming one of the first superheroes in Marvel history.

His success has extended to television as well. Just two years after wrapping up his role in Narcos, Pedro Pascal took on the iconic character Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, a highly popular Star Wars series on Disney+. Additionally, he portrayed Joel Miller in the video game adaptation The Last of Us on Max, which is currently in its second season. Pascal's career is set to reach new heights as he will be playing Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four in an upcoming Marvel project.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a detailed account of Pedro Pascal's departure from the hit Netflix series "Narcos" after season 3. It effectively dispels rumors of a contentious exit, revealing that his departure was part of the show's planned evolution. The article highlights the showrunner's intention to end the Colombian storyline and introduce a new setting in Mexico, necessitating the departure of Pascal's character, Javier Peña.

While Pascal's exit may have disappointed fans, the article emphasizes that it paved the way for a new chapter in the "Narcos" franchise and for Pascal to pursue other successful projects. His subsequent roles in blockbuster films, including "Wonder Woman 1984" and "The Mandalorian," demonstrate his talent and versatility as an actor. The article concludes by expressing optimism for Pascal's future in the entertainment industry, as he prepares to take on the iconic role of Reed Richards in the upcoming Marvel project.