Why Did Pedro Pascal Stop Joaquin Phoenix From Waving at Cannes?

May 17, 2025: Ari Aster’s latest film Eddington made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, boasting a glittering cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler. While the film’s COVID-era political themes have sparked conversation, it was a perplexing red carpet interaction between Phoenix and Pascal that stole the spotlight online.

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As the cast stood atop the Palais steps at the Auditorium Louis Lumière, waving to fans, Phoenix raised his hand—only for Pedro Pascal to swiftly pull it down and whisper something in his ear. Joaquin appeared visibly surprised but nodded and slipped his hand into his pocket.

The unclear exchange has left fans puzzled. Without audio, speculation is rife. Some believe Pascal stopped Phoenix from making a gesture that could be misinterpreted, referencing how other celebrities’ waves have previously been distorted into political controversies. “Pedro told Joaquin not to do a salute that could be wrongly interpreted,” one fan theorized. Others dismissed the concern, calling the moment a simple wave gone viral.

A few fans added levity, jokingly suggesting Pascal urged Phoenix to return to filming Joker: Folie à Deux with Lady Gaga. “I was there and heard everything,” one quipped.

Meanwhile, Eddington itself received a mixed response. The film, a dark satire about a conspiracy-ridden American town during the pandemic, earned a modest 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar, seemed both proud and sheepish after the screening.

With Eddington set to release in July via A24, audiences will soon judge for themselves if the film — and its off-screen buzz — lives up to the hype.