In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the tech world, Apple CEO Tim Cook, one of the most prominent openly gay business leaders, reportedly offered actor Pedro Pascal a staggering $201 million deal to finance a major film project. The catch? Pascal would need to star in a high-profile advertisement championing LGBT rights. The offer, shrouded in intrigue, has sparked widespread curiosity, not least because of Pascal’s unexpected response, which has left fans and industry insiders buzzing.

Tim Cook, the trailblazing CEO of Apple, has long been a vocal supporter of LGBT rights. As the first openly gay leader of a Fortune 500 company, Cook has used his platform to advocate for equality, notably donating to initiatives like Project One America in 2014 to advance LGBT equality in southern U.S. states. His latest move, however, takes his advocacy to a new level. Sources close to the deal, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, revealed that Cook approached Pascal with an unprecedented offer: $201 million to fund a passion project of Pascal’s choice, paired with a long-term partnership with Apple. The condition was clear—Pascal would lend his star power to a global campaign promoting LGBT acceptance, a project Cook reportedly envisioned as a “landmark moment for unity.”

Pedro Pascal, beloved for his roles in The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, and Game of Thrones, is no stranger to the spotlight. His charisma, talent, and vocal support for the LGBT community—especially his trans sister, Lux Pascal—have made him a fan favorite and a respected ally. In 2021, when Lux came out as transgender, Pascal shared a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux,” translating to “My sister, my heart, our Lux.” His consistent advocacy, including wearing a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt supporting Trans Lifeline at a 2025 premiere, has solidified his reputation as a champion for inclusivity. Fans expected Pascal to leap at Cook’s offer, given his track record, but his response was anything but predictable.

According to insiders, Pascal did not immediately accept or reject the deal. Instead, he issued a statement that caught the attention of fans worldwide: “I’m honored by the offer and what it represents, but my focus has always been on telling stories that connect us all, not just one community. I’d rather create something authentic than sign on for a campaign that feels like a transaction.” This nuanced reply, neither a flat refusal nor an enthusiastic endorsement, has ignited debates across social media platforms, with hashtags like #PedroSpeaks and #PascalSaysNo trending on X.

The offer itself is a testament to Cook’s ambition to merge Apple’s influence with social impact. Apple has a history of aligning its brand with progressive causes, from privacy advocacy to environmental sustainability. Cook’s vision for the advertisement reportedly involves a cinematic, star-studded campaign that would air globally, leveraging Pascal’s universal appeal to bridge generational and cultural divides. An anonymous source described the proposed ad as “a love letter to acceptance, with Pedro at its heart.” The $201 million figure, while staggering, aligns with Apple’s deep pockets and Cook’s personal commitment to advancing LGBT rights, as evidenced by his past donations, including $5 million to an unnamed charity in 2019.

Pascal’s response, however, has divided opinions. Supporters praise his commitment to authenticity, arguing that he’s prioritizing art over commercial gain. “Pedro’s always been real,” one fan posted on X. “He’s not here to be anyone’s poster boy, even for a good cause.” Others, however, see his hesitation as a missed opportunity to amplify a vital message. A prominent LGBT activist, speaking anonymously, noted, “With his platform, Pedro could move the needle on acceptance worldwide. It’s surprising he didn’t jump at this.” The debate has only amplified curiosity about what Pascal’s next move will be—will he negotiate different terms, or is this a definitive stand?

The timing of the offer adds another layer of intrigue. In 2025, with global conversations around LGBT rights intensifying, Cook’s proposal comes at a moment when visibility matters more than ever. In the U.S., anti-trans legislation has sparked protests, while countries like the U.K. grapple with legal definitions of gender. Pascal’s own history of advocacy, including his vocal support for trans rights and his role in The Last of Us, which featured groundbreaking queer storylines, makes him a natural fit for Cook’s vision. Yet his response suggests a deeper consideration of how advocacy intersects with art. In a 2023 interview with Them, Pascal addressed the importance of queer representation, saying, “You should know why [LGBTQ+ stories matter].” His latest statement echoes this sentiment, emphasizing storytelling over contractual obligations.

The financial scope of the deal also raises eyebrows. At $201 million, the offer dwarfs typical Hollywood budgets, even for blockbuster films. For context, Pascal earned $600,000 per episode for The Last of Us season one, totaling $5.4 million for the season, according to Variety. Cook’s proposal, which includes funding for an entire film project plus the advertisement, signals Apple’s willingness to invest heavily in both Pascal’s talent and the message of inclusivity. Industry analysts speculate that the film project could be a prestige drama or a genre-bending epic, genres Pascal has mastered. Yet, Pascal’s reluctance to commit suggests he may be wary of the strings attached to such a massive deal.

Social media has been ablaze with reactions, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where shareable, emotionally charged content thrives. Fans have created memes juxtaposing Pascal’s stoic Mandalorian character with captions like, “When Tim Cook offers you $201M but you just want to tell good stories.” Others have praised Cook’s boldness, with one viral post reading, “Tim Cook said, ‘Here’s $201 million to change the world.’ Respect.” The story’s mix of celebrity, money, and social impact makes it catnip for Facebook’s algorithm, which favors engaging, polarizing content that sparks discussion.

As the story unfolds, all eyes are on Pascal. Will he reconsider and collaborate with Cook on a redefined project? Or will he stick to his guns, prioritizing creative control over a lucrative deal? For Cook, the offer underscores his commitment to using Apple’s platform for social good, even if it means navigating complex negotiations with a star like Pascal. The saga has already captured the public’s imagination, blending Hollywood drama with real-world stakes.

For now, Pascal’s response leaves room for speculation. His focus on authentic storytelling resonates with fans who admire his integrity, while others hope he’ll find a way to align with Cook’s vision. As one X user put it, “Pedro’s playing 4D chess with this one. Can’t wait to see what he does next.” Whatever his decision, this moment has cemented Pascal and Cook as figures who can spark global conversations about art, advocacy, and the power of saying no—even to $201 million.