Pedro Pascal didn’t just attend the Cannes Film Festival — he owned it.
At the Eddington photocall on May 17, the 50-year-old star sent the internet into a full-blown frenzy with his sleeveless black tunic that showcased his toned arms and peeked at his lean torso.
The Calvin Klein ensemble, combined with his playful antics — blowing kisses, sticking out his tongue, and snapping selfies with costars — cemented one thing: Pedro Pascal is in the best shape of his life.
Fans were quick to react online. One post summed it up perfectly: “My new religion is Pedro Pascal’s arms.”
Another wrote, “Pedro Pascal has been massively serving at #CannesFilmFestival so far — the other men don’t stand a CHANCE!”
But beneath the viral photos and charming behavior lies something a little more grounded: a simple, surprisingly accessible workout routine that got Pascal into apocalypse-ready shape for The Last of Us — and helped build the arms that just broke the internet.
Jump to:
- Not a Superhero Workout — A Survivor’s Workout
- Bodyweight, Mobility, and Minimal Fuss
- He Didn’t Love Every Second — And That’s the Point
- Pedro Pascal’s 5-Step Workout: No Equipment Required
- Why This Workout Works — Even If You’re Not Famous
- Final Take: You Don’t Need a Sleeveless Calvin Klein Tunic to Start
Not a Superhero Workout — A Survivor’s Workout
While many celebrities go through punishing transformations, Pascal’s approach was refreshingly real.
For The Last of Us, he teamed up with celebrity trainer David Higgins — the same expert who worked with him during Kingsman: The Golden Circle. But this time, the goal wasn’t to carve out a chiseled chest or prep for shirtless scenes.
“It was more about being mobile and strong and efficient with his movements,” Higgins explains. “There’s no shirt-off moment — it was grounded in the character more than anything else.”
Pascal needed to embody a weathered survivor, not a superhero. That meant building functional strength, maintaining joint mobility, and keeping up with the physically demanding shoot — all while managing age-related aches and pains.
Bodyweight, Mobility, and Minimal Fuss
With The Last of Us filming in remote parts of Canada, high-end gyms weren’t an option. That suited the plan perfectly.
“We leaned into mobility-led core engagement and calisthenics,” Higgins says. “A lot of abs, a lot of movement.”
Higgins — whose training style focuses on rehab and injury prevention — designed a plan that respected Pascal’s needs at age 48.
“We looked at his lower back and general tension. I come at the body with more of a ‘fix it and then build it’ kind of approach,” he adds.
So, no endless hours of cardio. No lifting massive weights. Just effective movement patterns that can be done anywhere — hotel rooms, trailers, or even in your living room.
He Didn’t Love Every Second — And That’s the Point
While Pascal may have looked effortless at Cannes, getting there took consistency — and a bit of mental grit.
“He was a dream,” says Higgins, “but there were definitely moments when he was like, ‘Oh my God, I have to do another one?’”
It’s a reminder that fitness doesn’t require loving every rep. You just have to show up.
“He’s so athletic and he has so much potential,” Higgins continues. “He doesn’t necessarily realise how good he is.”
Pascal found his rhythm in the basics — bodyweight movements that became second nature over time. The result? A functional, fit physique that holds up on screen and turns heads on the red carpet.
Pedro Pascal’s 5-Step Workout: No Equipment Required
This is the same routine Pascal followed with Higgins during The Last of Us. It’s scalable, simple, and fits into almost any lifestyle.
Instructions:
- Do each move for 1 minute.
- Rest 30 seconds between exercises.
- Complete 5 rounds total.
- Do 1–2 times per week alongside your regular workouts or mobility sessions.
1. Mountain Climbers
Start in a high plank. Drive your knees alternately into your chest. Keep your core tight and move fast without sacrificing form.
Targets: Core, shoulders, hips, cardiovascular system.
2. Single-Leg Split Squats (1 minute per leg)
Stand in front of a bench or chair. Place one foot behind you on the surface. Lower your body by bending the front leg. Push through the front heel to return to standing.
Optional: Add dumbbells if it gets too easy.
Targets: Quads, glutes, balance.
3. Swimmers
Lie on your stomach. Extend your arms in front of you and legs behind. Lift opposite arm and leg simultaneously, then switch.
Tip: If your back starts to ache, take a break and stretch before continuing.
Targets: Lower back, glutes, shoulders.
4. Push-Ups
With hands under shoulders and body straight, lower yourself until your chest almost touches the ground. Push back up. Keep elbows tucked.
Modification: Drop to your knees if needed.
Targets: Chest, triceps, core.
5. Plank
Rest on forearms and toes, keeping your body in a straight line. Don’t let your hips sag or your shoulders collapse.
Breathe deeply and brace your abs for the full minute.
Targets: Core, posture, stability.
Why This Workout Works — Even If You’re Not Famous
Pascal’s routine is based on principles anyone can benefit from: mobility, core strength, and body control.
It’s time-efficient. It’s joint-friendly. And it keeps you functionally fit — ready to handle real life, not just red carpets.
If you’re stuck at a desk all day, this workout will open up your hips and shoulders. If you’re easing back into fitness, it’s low-impact and highly adaptable.
Most importantly? It’s sustainable. No performance pressure. No flashy gimmicks. Just consistent movement.
Final Take: You Don’t Need a Sleeveless Calvin Klein Tunic to Start
Pedro Pascal’s Cannes moment wasn’t the result of vanity. It was a byproduct of consistency, character work, and a humble five-move workout he stuck with through cold locations and long shoot days.
So if you’re inspired by the arms, the outfit, or just the energy he radiated at Cannes, try the routine that helped shape it. No apocalypse necessary. Just show up, move your body, and maybe — just maybe — blow yourself a kiss in the mirror when you’re done.
