Inside Pedro Pascal's life from rumoured Game of Thrones romance to JK Rowling controversy

Pedro Pascal is set to take on one of his biggest roles to date when the latest iteration of Marvel's Fantastic Four arrives in cinemas.

That is saying something considering the actor's recent roles include appearing one of the biggest shows in the world and one of the most popular Star Wars spin-offs. Pascal's latest role sees him take on the character of comic book hero Reed Richards.

It is a part that is being tipped to take over Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark as the leader of the Avengers. What that really entails, fans will have to wait until July 25 when the film is released on the big screen around the UK.

READ MORE: ‘Outstanding and raw’ war film starring Saoirse Ronan streaming for free

READ MORE: 'Hilarious' sequel to iconic Robin Williams comedy is streaming for free

But who is Pedro Pascal? What was his early career like that got him where he is today and what has been reported about dating rumours regarding the actor? Here's all you need to know.

Who is Pedro Pascal?

Full name, José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal is a Chilean and American actor born on April 2, 1975. He has an older sister who is a film and TV producer, a younger brother and a younger sister who is an actress and transgender activist.

Pascal has also been vocal in support for his sister and transgender community. He courted some controversy for comments in calling out Harry Potter author J.K Rowling. Posting on Instagram, he referred to her as a 'heinous loser' for her views on the topic.

Earlier in his life, hIs parents were listed as enemies of the state by the Pinochet regime in Chile when they took power and the family eventually fled Chile when he was nine months old.

The family initially received asylum in Denmark before relocating to the US and Pedro would grow up in Texas and then California. He studied acting at the Orange County School of the Arts and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1997.

What was Pedro Pascal's early career like?

Pedro Pascal refers to the time early in his career as his 'give up' years. Believing if he hadn't made it past the age of 29 then the industry was not for him, he came close to quitting a number of times. He waited tables to make money and said the dog he owned at the time saved his life.

However, whenever he told friends and family he was close to quitting they would . His older sister says they knew he wanted to act from when Pedro was four years old and was too good to give up.

The difficulty of this time was expounded by the death of his mother Veronica. He ended up chasing his stage name to Pascal, in honour of her and as he thought it was easier to pronounce for Americans than his paternal name of Balmaceda.

While he earned a number of small roles in TV and film from 1999, it wasn't until 2014 when cast as Oberyn Martell where he made a huge impression on audiences around the world. Appearing in seven episodes for the show's fourth season, his arrival, presence and shocking death scene made a massive impact and proved to be a crucial career breakthrough.

He has since become one of the most popular actors working today. Not only with the roles that he earns but with behind the scenes stories told by his colleagues. According to Vanity Fair, his nicknames include Pepelo, Pipi, Pedders, Peds, Pedg and even Pepsi.

Those roles however have included the lead in Netflix series Narcos as well as Star Wars series The Mandalorian and HBO's The Last of US. He has also featured in films such as Wonder Woman 1984, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and Gladiator II.

This year, alongside Fantastic Four he will also feature in modern western Eddington as well as romantic comedy Materialists opposite Dakota Johnson. With his recent success, Parade magazine estimates his net worth at around $10 million.

Does Pedro Pascal struggle with anxiety?

Pedro Pascal has been vocal about his struggles with anxiety. It is something he has said he has dealt with since he was a child.

In an interview with co-star Bella Ramsey while the pair were promoting The Last of Us, he told them how developed the habit of keeping a hand on his stomach, usually while walking the red carpet and having his pictures taken as a coping mechanism.

His fellow castmates have also been seen helping him with this, as fellow Fantastic Four star Vanessa Kirby was spotted several times holding his hand during public appearances to help him.

Who is Pedro Pascal rumoured to be dating?

Pedro Pascal also his dating life seemingly under wraps. This of course has not stopped the star from being subject of many rumours.

These include links between him and Game of Thrones co-star Lena Headey. Neither commented on the links and Headey has since gotten married. On a Reddit AMA, Pascal said of her: "“She is so funny and so smart, such a good person, a good friend and a good mother, I think everyone on that set and anyone who comes in contact with her develops an instant crush. Talk about male or female, you’re going to get a crush on her easy.”

Earlier this year, Pascal was spotted out in Los Angeles with Friends star Jennifer Aniston with some wondering if the pair were an item. However, Pascal revealed during The Last of Us season two premiere that they were just going to dinner with mutual friends.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas from July 25.