Netflix’s ‘Queen of Coal’ Sparks Debate Ahead of Global Release

Lux Pascal, the younger sister of Pedro Pascal, steps into the spotlight as she portrays Carlita Antonella Rodríguez, a pioneering trans woman from Patagonia, in the upcoming film Queen of Coal. This Spanish-Argentine drama, directed by Agustina Macri, first premiered in theaters across Spain and Argentina. Now, Netflix is set to introduce the film to a global audience on December 19, and the announcement has already stirred up a storm of opinions online.

Story of Carlita: Breaking Barriers in Patagonia

The film centers on Carlita, a woman determined to work in the coal mines of Patagonia—a profession long considered off-limits to women. Her journey to become the region’s first openly trans miner challenges deep-rooted superstitions and gender norms, as the local community believes women bring bad luck underground. The movie follows Carlita’s fight for acceptance and her quest to prove that everyone deserves a place in spaces traditionally reserved for men.

Online Backlash and Support

Since Netflix announced the film’s global release, social media has been buzzing with both criticism and praise. Some users have voiced strong opposition to the film’s LGBTQ+ themes and Netflix’s decision to promote such content. Comments range from skepticism about the story’s premise to outright rejection of the film:

This is an actual show coming out on Netflix soon: "Queen of Coal."

"A trans woman dreams of working the coal mines — but in a town steeped in superstition and patriarchy, Carlita must fight to earn her place underground."

NO THANK YOU!! I cancelled Netflix years ago anyway.

Not believable.

Who, the fuck, "dreams of working in the coal mines"?

I write books about magic and super soldier and wouldn't use a premise that unlikely.

I totally can't wait to never watch this.

Queen of Coal. Another banger from Netflix!!! Who green lights this stuff?

On the other hand, LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters have celebrated the film’s message of representation. One commenter shared, “Representation matters. Carlita’s story is a reminder that trans people belong everywhere – including spaces society has long tried to exclude them from.” The film debuted in Spain on June 12, 2025, and in Argentina on October 2, 2025.

Lux Pascal: From Stage to Screen

Seventeen years younger than her brother Pedro, Lux Pascal was born Lucas Balmaceda in California and moved to Chile at age three. She came out as a trans woman in 2021, adopting the name Lux Balmaceda Pascal. After graduating from Juilliard in 2023, she launched her acting career with stage performances before moving into Spanish-language television and film. Her early roles included the series Los 80 and the soap Juana Brava, with her film debut arriving in 2016. She also appeared alongside Pedro in the series Narcos.

Lux has spoken openly about her transition, expressing gratitude for her brother’s unwavering support. Pedro Pascal has publicly celebrated his sister’s journey, once posting, “Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux,” or “My sister, my heart, our Lux.”

Comparisons to ‘Emilia Pérez’ and Cultural Critiques

The controversy surrounding Queen of Coal echoes the response to Emilia Pérez, a film featuring Karla Sofía Gascón as a cartel boss seeking gender-affirming surgery. While Emilia Pérez won awards, it also faced backlash over its portrayal of trans issues and the resurfacing of offensive social media posts by its lead actress. Critics also pointed out the film’s lack of cultural authenticity, with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto noting, “Why not hire a Mexican production designer, costume designer, or at least some consultants?... It was just the details for me. You would never have a jail sign that read ‘Cárcel’ it would be ‘Penitenciaria’. It’s just the details, and that shows me that nobody that knew was involved.” Director Jacques Audiard admitted to not delving deeply into Mexican culture during production. As Queen of Coal prepares for its Netflix debut, viewers are watching closely to see if it avoids similar pitfalls.

Queen of Coal will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 19, 2025.