Pedro Pascal recently appeared on the red carpet alongside his Fantastic Four co-stars for the premiere of Marvel’s new film, “First Steps.” Following the event, there was some buzz regarding his interactions with Vanessa Kirby, prompting a closer look into their on-screen and off-screen relationship.
Back in February 2024, Pascal and Kirby were announced as part of Marvel’s new Fantastic Four lineup, with Pascal playing Reed Richards and Kirby cast as Sue Storm. Joining them are The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.
The pair has spent considerable time together since their casting, both during the film’s production and throughout its promotion.
Despite the speculation, Pascal and Kirby are not dating. Kirby is currently in a relationship with Paul Rabil, with whom she’s expecting her first child, while Pascal is reportedly single.
Pascal has spoken about his and Kirby’s comfortable rapport. In a discussion with Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Take, Pascal noted, “I think that we really, really see each other in ourselves in terms of our care for what we do, our care for one another, and our mutual fears, our mutual expectations. We can be kind of hard on ourselves, and I just think that we’re very, very similar.”
Videos from the recent red carpet event captured Pascal’s body language towards Kirby, including moments where he stroked her arm and placed his hand on her wrist. This display of affection prompted mixed reactions from fans online.
Pascal explained that this physical interaction is a way for them to remind each other that they’re not alone. He stated, “We are always grabbing onto one another to remind each other that we’re not alone in any of it.”
In 2024, Kirby reciprocated this kind of gesture when Pascal sought comfort, and she responded by holding his hand.
Pascal has highlighted the importance of human connection in managing anxiety. In an interview with Men’s Health, he shared, “When it started to feel so critical, I had to go back to what was always the comfort for me in life, which was engagement in my relationships, my friendships, and conversation and shared experience.”
Kirby reflected on their 2024 encounter during an interview with Vanity Fair, emphasizing that she appreciated Pascal’s gesture. She mentioned, “What happened is we were both incredibly nervous going out in front of thousands of people who love this comic. He wanted me to know that we were in this together, and I found it a lovely gesture and was very glad to squeeze his hand back.”
Fans also defended Pascal following the video scrutiny, with one saying, “Does it matter what yall think? If she don’t care that’s all that matters.”
Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently screening in theaters.