Lux Pascal Takes Lead Role in ‘Miss Carbon’
Lux Pascal, the youngest sibling of Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal, is set to star in the film Miss Carbon, which explores the story of Carla Antonella Rodríguez, Argentina’s first transgender coal miner. The movie, produced by Spanish agencies, paints a vivid picture of Rodríguez’s journey.
The film premiered in Spanish theaters on June 12th and has since been made available on Netflix. Directed by Agustina Macri, who is the daughter of former Argentine President Mauricio Macri, the project carries significant cultural weight.
The narrative centers around Carla “Carlita” Antonella Rodríguez, born Carlos Enrique Rodriguez in the small Patagonian town of Rio Turbio, which has a population of about 11,000. The town is renowned for its coal mines, which serve as the main source of income for residents. In 2011, Rodríguez became known as “Argentina’s first female coal miner,” overcoming a longstanding superstition that prohibited women from entering the Rio Turbio coal mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb9aezvzmke
Pascal, who identifies as transgender, noted in an interview, “I think I’m a cautious person at first. I tend to read situations before inserting myself. I feel like I’m someone who goes one step at a time, and if I feel I can run, I run.” This reflection aligns with her approach to the role.
The film also highlights the enactment of Argentina’s Gender Identity Act in 2012, which was a major turning point in the country’s history. However, recent alterations to the law include a controversial amendment by current president Javier Milei in 2025, restricting gender-affirming care for those under age 18.
In her interview with Hollywood Reporter, Pascal admitted to initial hesitation about taking on the role, but her perspective changed after meeting Rodríguez and learning more about the challenges faced by women at work. “When I met her [Rodríguez], I was captivated by this air of disappointment regarding how the world had treated her,” she shared.
Macri, speaking to a media outlet, stated that Pascal was her first choice for the lead role, praising her strong intuition and insight. As a trans woman, Pascal brings a unique understanding that enriches the narrative.
According to reports, there were historical superstitions that barred women from working in the Rio Turbio coal mines. An urban legend suggested that a spirit often led male miners to their demise when females were present, which, unsurprisingly, left women with very few opportunities in that sector. They were only allowed entry on the day of St. Barbara, celebrated on December 4th, which honored the title of “Queen of Coal.”
Macri discovered Rodríguez’s fascinating life story through screenwriter Erica Halvorsen, stating, “Things in life came through me rather than coming to me through him. A producer mentioned the project in Argentina, and as soon as he summarized it, it sounded incredible.”
