Stranger Things Actor Exits Pascal Film Amid Mental Health Crisis
The beloved Netflix star has withdrawn from a major Hollywood production, with sources citing his ongoing battle with bipolar disorder as the primary factor behind this unexpected career pause.
The Stranger Things star has stepped away from Pedro Pascal's upcoming film Behemoth after experiencing what sources describe as a mental health episode. According to entertainment industry insiders, the actor made the difficult decision to leave the Los Angeles production midway through filming.
A source close to the situation revealed that the performer "encountered a challenging moment related to his mental health, and as a result, is taking a break from work to focus on his well-being." The departure comes after an especially turbulent year filled with public controversies and intense media scrutiny.
The Actor's Public Battle with Mental Illness
The Thunderbolts star has been open about his bipolar disorder diagnosis for years. During a 2018 podcast appearance, he detailed how his condition first manifested during his mid-twenties while exploring Catholicism.
He described experiencing what he called a "manic episode" where he felt an intense spiritual connection and believed he had "all the answers" and direct communication with God. The episode wasn't drug-induced but rather stemmed from his mind's tendency to blur reality and imagination.
His parents eventually had him admitted to a psychiatric facility for a brief period. This experience became transformative in understanding his mental health journey. The actor spoke candidly about four decades of wrestling with anxiety, self-hatred, mania, fear, and the complex process of identity formation.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, causes extreme mood fluctuations between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and devastating lows (depression). These episodes can occur infrequently or multiple times yearly, with each typically lasting several days.
The condition affects millions of Americans and requires ongoing management through therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Many people with bipolar disorder lead successful careers while managing their symptoms.
Production Changes for Behemoth
Following the actor's departure, producers have reportedly recast his role, though the replacement hasn't been announced. The film, written and directed by Tony Gilroy, follows "a musician from a family of musicians who returns to Los Angeles." Gilroy describes it as "a love letter to the music of the movies and the people who make it."
The cast includes Eva Victor, Matthew Lillard, Alexa Swinton, Margarita Levieva, and Barry Livingston. Searchlight Pictures will distribute the project. Sources indicate that those closest to the departed actor "are supportive as he takes this necessary pause" to focus on recovery and well-being.