If you had "The Last of Us" star and the "Espresso" singer becoming the internet's favorite chaotic duo on your 2025 bingo card, you're probably doing better than most of us. Honestly, it shouldn't work. One is a 50-year-old Chilean-American actor who has become the world’s collective "cool dad," and the other is a 26-year-old pop powerhouse currently rewriting the rules of the charts. Yet, the Pedro Pascal and Sabrina Carpenter crossover has become a goldmine for late-night comedy and social media stan accounts alike.
It basically all started with a cup of coffee. Or rather, a song about one.
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The SNL50 Sketch That Changed Everything
We have to talk about the "Domingo" universe. If you missed the SNL 50th Anniversary special in February 2025, you missed a masterclass in structured chaos. Marcello Hernández has been carrying the "Domingo" torch for a while, but adding Pedro Pascal and Sabrina Carpenter to the mix was like throwing gasoline on a very funny fire.
Pascal showed up as Ronaldo, Domingo’s brother. The premise was simple: a wedding vow renewal crashed by a group of men who have all, apparently, hooked up with the groom.
Pascal, usually so composed in roles like Joel Miller, was a mess. In the best way. He later told Entertainment Weekly that the sketch was his "nightmare of karaoke." He actually missed his musical cues three times because he was so nervous about singing in public. You can see it if you watch closely—the "Hey Matt" comes in just a beat off. But that’s why people love him. He’s human.
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Behind the Scenes of "The Grinding"
There’s a specific bit of trivia from that night that made the rounds on TikTok. Right before they went live, Sabrina apparently got a last-minute note from the directors. She turned to Pedro and told him, "I'm going to be grinding on you hard."
His response? "You do whatever you want."
That level of "unbothered legend" energy is exactly why the Pedro Pascal and Sabrina Carpenter dynamic works. They aren't trying to sell a fake friendship for PR. They're just two people at the top of their respective games having a blast in Studio 8H.
More Than Just a Comedy Bit
While the SNL appearance got the most eyeballs, the connection between Pedro Pascal and Sabrina Carpenter actually goes a bit deeper, specifically regarding social advocacy.
This past September, during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Sabrina delivered a rain-soaked performance of her track "Tears." It was a massive production, drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' iconic "Dream Within a Dream" tour visuals. But the real talk of the night was the message. Her dancers held up signs reading "In Trans We Trust" and "Protect Trans Rights."
Pascal, who is fiercely protective of his sister Lux Pascal (who came out as trans in 2021), didn't let the moment slide. He posted a still of Sabrina’s performance on his Instagram Stories with a simple crown emoji and the caption, "Again @sabrinacarpenter."
He’s been a loud voice against transphobia for years—remember when he called out certain authors on Instagram? Seeing him champion Sabrina isn't just about "celeb friends." It’s about shared values.
Are They Working on a Movie Together?
Internet sleuths are currently losing their minds over a billboard for Sabrina’s project Man's Best Friend.
There’s a silhouette of a man in a black suit.
Fans are studying the shoulders.
They're studying the posture.
The consensus? "That's definitely Pedro."
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While nothing is officially confirmed for a feature-length collaboration in 2026, the rumors are persistent. After the success of their "Espresso" parody, Hollywood would be crazy not to pair them up. Imagine a road trip comedy with these two. It would break the box office in four hours.
What We Get Wrong About Celeb "Friendships"
Usually, when two massive stars interact, it’s a calculated move by a management firm. But with Pedro Pascal and Sabrina Carpenter, it feels surprisingly organic.
- The Age Gap: People make a big deal of it, but it’s really just a mentor/peer vibe.
- The Medium: He’s prestige TV; she’s pure pop. The crossover bridges two massive, separate fanbases.
- The Humor: Both of them are "chronically online." They understand meme culture.
What to Watch Next
If you’re looking to catch up on the best moments from this pairing, start with the "Domingo: Vow Renewal" sketch from SNL50. It’s the definitive proof of their chemistry. After that, keep an eye on Pedro’s Instagram (@pascalispunk)—he’s notoriously selective about what he shares, so when he posts about Sabrina, it actually means something.
For those tracking their professional moves, watch for the official cast reveal of Man's Best Friend. If the silhouette on that billboard really is the "Internet’s Daddy," we’re about to see this duo dominate the conversation for the rest of the year.
Actionable Insight: If you're a creator or marketer, take note of how this pairing works. It's not about being "alike"—it's about "complimentary chaos." The most successful viral moments in 2026 are coming from unexpected combinations that share a core set of values rather than just the same target demographic.