- Vanessa Kirby stroking Pedro Pascal during different moments of their Fantastic Four promotions, sparking fan curiosity and mixed reactions.
- Pedro Pascal openly discusses his anxiety, with Vanessa’s gestures, like stroking him, helping him feel calm and supported in public.
- Vanessa is expecting a baby and recently got engaged to Paul Rabil, balancing personal joy with her rising career.
Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal have been turning heads lately — but not just because of their new movie. The two stars of Fantastic Four: First Steps have shown a surprising level of closeness during interviews and premieres, sparking a wave of curiosity and chatter among fans.
In a recent interview with Buzzfeed, Vanessa, dressed elegantly in a blue dress, reached out and gently stroked Pedro’s beard. This affectionate gesture wasn’t lost on viewers, many of whom paused to wonder about the nature of their bond. The pair have been seen sharing moments of warmth more than once over the past months. Just weeks ago at the Fantastic Four premiere in Los Angeles, Pedro tenderly caressed Vanessa’s baby bump on the red carpet. These intimate displays have led to a mix of reactions online—some fans find it sweet, others find it a bit puzzling.
Public Displays of Affection Ignite Debate Among Fans
Vanessa Kirby stroking Pedro Pascal during interviews and public events has sparked a social media debate. A number of viewers described their chemistry as “weird” or “unusual,” questioning whether their relationship extended beyond friendship. Yet, many others quickly came to their defense, highlighting that these gestures reflect genuine care and support rather than anything romantic or inappropriate.
One thoughtful fan explained the situation, writing, “Guys, calm down. Pedro deals with anxiety, and physical touch helps him stay grounded and comfortable.” This interpretation aligns with what Vanessa and Pedro have shared openly before about the actor’s struggle with anxiety. Fans who know their backstory recognize these moments as acts of kindness between close friends.
A Friendship Rooted in Support Through Anxiety
The bond between Vanessa and Pedro has deepened over their work together, especially as they promote their film. At last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the pair held hands on stage — a move Vanessa described to Vanity Fair as a simple but meaningful gesture of solidarity. She said they were both “incredibly nervous” about appearing before a huge crowd of passionate fans. Pedro’s hand squeeze helped Vanessa feel like they were facing the pressure side by side.
Pedro has been candid about his anxiety in interviews over the years. In a recent conversation with Men’s Health, he described how the isolating months of 2020 made him realize how important connection is to his well-being. He recalled how in high school he was the one reaching out to friends, and how losing that became tough for him. Since then, Pedro has consciously worked to keep lines of communication open, especially during hard times.
This openness sheds light on why Vanessa Kirby stroking Pedro Pascal might mean so much to him. It’s not just comfort; it’s a lifeline during moments of vulnerability. And for Vanessa, supporting a friend through that is natural, especially when you spend so much time together on set and in public.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Marks a Bold Return for the Franchise
Their latest movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, hit theaters this Thursday, marking the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and serving as the second reboot for the iconic superhero team. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film takes viewers into a visually striking, retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s. The Fantastic Four must band together to stop the devastating cosmic force Galactus from destroying their planet.
Vanessa stars as Sue Storm alongside Pedro, who plays Reed Richards. The pair portray a married couple, adding layers to their on-screen chemistry. Joining them is Julia Garner from Ozark, who plays another key role.
Vanessa has also been turning heads off-screen lately, glowing with pregnancy at premieres around the world. At the German premiere last month, she stunned in a sleek black dress that highlighted her baby bump, paired with towering heels and shimmering silver earrings. She first revealed her pregnancy publicly just weeks ago during a Fantastic Four photocall in Mexico.
Personal Life in the Spotlight: Engagement and Baby Joy
Fans following Vanessa’s journey got another happy update in December when reports emerged that she was engaged to Paul Rabil, a former professional lacrosse player and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League. The couple, who have been together for two years, reportedly plan to marry soon. Vanessa and Paul’s romance first caught public attention when they were spotted hand-in-hand strolling through New York City in October 2022, although they kept things private for some time.
It wasn’t until November 2023 that the couple made their relationship official on Instagram. Paul shared heartfelt photos of the two embracing on a beach, along with a touching message about how Vanessa has enriched his life. Their love story, quietly blossoming amid Vanessa’s rising career, now adds a layer of joy to her personal narrative.
Fans and Critics Alike Watch Closely
As Vanessa Kirby stroking Pedro Pascal continues during their promotional tour, the dynamic between them remains a hot topic. The public’s fascination with their affectionate exchanges highlights how celebrity friendships often invite speculation. It raises questions about the blurred lines between professional camaraderie and personal connection, especially when two stars appear so close in front of cameras.
Some fans admire the authenticity and vulnerability they show, while others remain skeptical, trying to read between the lines. Regardless, Vanessa and Pedro seem unbothered by the buzz. They maintain their focus on their work and support each other openly.
