Sometimes a sweet gesture between co-stars can cause a bit of a stir—and that’s exactly what happened when Vanessa Kirby was caught stroking Pedro Pascal’s beard during a recent press interview.
The two have been on a media whirlwind promoting Fantastic Four: First Steps, where they play the superhero power couple, Reed Richards and Sue Storm.
But it’s their off-screen chemistry that’s stealing the spotlight lately.
Getting Comfortable On and Off Screen
Over the past few months, Vanessa and Pedro have grown noticeably close while touring for their new Marvel film.
The actors, aged 38 and 50 respectively, have been seen supporting each other in public multiple times—hugging, holding hands, and sharing reassuring gestures that have fans buzzing.
The latest moment that got everyone talking came during a BuzzFeed interview.
Vanessa, dressed in a chic blue outfit, casually draped her arm around Pedro and began affectionately stroking his beard.
Naturally, it sparked a wave of chatter online, with viewers split on whether the interaction was endearing or a little too intimate.
More Than Just Co-Stars: A Real Bond
This isn’t the first time the duo has raised eyebrows with their close bond.
Earlier this week, during a Heart radio interview, fans noted how physically comfortable they seemed around each other again.
And just recently, at the Fantastic Four premiere in Los Angeles, Pedro was seen tenderly touching Vanessa’s baby bump on the red carpet.
While some social media users labeled their connection “a bit weird,” others jumped to defend them, highlighting the supportive nature of their relationship—especially in the context of Pedro’s struggles with anxiety.
Fans Defend Their Friendship
Supporters pointed out that Pedro has spoken openly about his anxiety in the past and that moments of physical touch—like holding hands or hugging—help soothe him during stressful times.
One fan wrote, “Pedro suffers from some type of anxiety disorder.
He needs to touch or be touched by people to calm down and feel comfortable.”
Vanessa has previously backed this up, too.
After the pair were seen holding hands on stage at San Diego Comic-Con last year, she explained to Vanity Fair that it was a moment of mutual reassurance.
“He wanted me to know we were in it together,” she said. “It was a lovely gesture, and I was glad to squeeze his hand back.”
Pedro’s Honest Take on Anxiety
Pedro himself has been refreshingly open about his mental health journey.
In an interview with Men’s Health last month, he shared how the isolation of 2020 made him realize the importance of human connection—especially during anxious moments.
He reflected on how, back in high school, he loved deep conversations with friends, and how he’s trying to hold onto that again now.
“I was always the one to reach out when facing something hard,” he said. “That hasn’t changed.”
Vanessa Is Glowing On the Red Carpet
Meanwhile, Vanessa’s been glowing—literally and figuratively—as she debuts her baby bump during the press tour.
She’s turned heads at every premiere, from Mexico to Germany.
At the Berlin event, she looked stunning in a sleek black high-neck gown, paired with towering heels and sparkling silver earrings.
Her pregnancy news broke last month during a photocall in Mexico City, and fans have been celebrating with her ever since.
A Quiet Romance With Paul Rabil
Away from the spotlight, Vanessa has also been quietly enjoying her personal life with fiancé Paul Rabil.
The couple, who first sparked dating rumors in October 2022 after being seen strolling hand-in-hand in New York, made things Instagram official a year later.
Paul, a 39-year-old former lacrosse pro and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League, gushed about Vanessa in a heartfelt post, writing, “From the very minute we first met in Des Moines… life is far better, more purposeful, and more beautiful with you.”
Engaged and Expecting
Reports surfaced in December that Paul had popped the question after two years of dating.
While the couple hasn’t publicly confirmed the engagement, the signs—plus the baby bump—suggest there are big milestones ahead for the pair.
Fantastic Four Is Finally Here
And back on the big screen, Fantastic Four: First Steps officially hit theaters this Thursday.
It marks the 37th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the second reboot of the franchise.
Directed by Matt Shakman, the film follows the Fantastic Four as they take on the cosmic villain Galactus in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired world.
Alongside Vanessa and Pedro, the cast includes Ozark star Julia Garner, making it a superhero film with serious star power.
