“Ban Pedro Now!” Why Pedro Pascal’s Behavior Sparks Outrage Amid Fantastic Four: First Steps Hype

The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters on July 25, 2025, marking Marvel’s bold attempt to revive its first family in the MCU. Directed by Matt Shakman, the film boasts a stellar cast, with Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s-inspired world, the movie pits the quartet against the cosmic threat of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Early reviews praise the film’s vibrant visuals, tight storytelling, and the cast’s chemistry, with some calling it Marvel’s best in years. Yet, a storm of controversy surrounding Pedro Pascal’s off-screen behavior threatens to overshadow the film’s debut, igniting heated discussions across social media and raising questions about its impact on the movie’s success.

The hashtag #BanPedro has trended on platforms like X, fueled by viral posts accusing Pascal of inappropriate behavior during the Fantastic Four promotional tour. Fans and critics alike have pointed to moments where Pascal appeared overly tactile with co-star Vanessa Kirby, sparking speculation about their off-screen dynamic. One X post from @popculture_show on July 24, 2025, amplified the buzz, questioning if Pascal and Kirby’s interactions hinted at a “secret affair,” with fans joking, “You think if you were cheating on your baby daddy, fiancé, you would be better at hiding it, right?” Another post from @BroBible on the same day noted growing anger over Pascal being “touchy-feely” with Kirby, stirring a mix of memes and outrage online. These reactions have painted Pascal as a polarizing figure, with some labeling him a “creep” while others defend his charismatic, affectionate nature as harmless.

Pascal, no stranger to navigating major fandoms from roles in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Game of Thrones, has acknowledged the backlash surrounding his casting as Reed Richards. In a Vanity Fair interview, he admitted, “I’m more aware of disgruntlement around my casting than anything I’ve ever done. ‘He’s too old. He’s not right. He needs to shave.’” Despite the criticism, Pascal expressed pride in the film, saying, “I’m getting an inkling of excitement because it seems to reflect what our common goal was, and what we want to share, which is all of our f*cking hearts on a platter within this genre.” His comments highlight his commitment to the project, but the recent uproar over his behavior has shifted focus from his performance to his public persona.

The controversy intensified at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on July 21, 2025, where Pascal and Kirby’s interactions drew scrutiny. Social media clips showed Pascal frequently touching Kirby’s arm or shoulder during interviews, prompting accusations of overstepping boundaries. Some fans speculated about a romantic connection, while others criticized Pascal for what they perceived as inappropriate conduct. Vanessa Kirby, in an ABC News interview, emphasized the cast’s familial bond, saying, “There’s something about the domestic thing that every person can identify with in every way, and that’s something that’s so universal and that makes it really, really special.” Her comments focused on the film’s themes, but they did little to quell the online firestorm surrounding her and Pascal’s dynamic.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives at a critical moment for Marvel. After mixed receptions to recent releases like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*, the studio is banking on this reboot to restore its box office dominance. Early reactions from critics, such as Matt Neglia from Next Best Picture, praise the film’s “excellent” cast and “delightful” retro aesthetic, suggesting it could outshine its predecessors. The movie’s unique setting, inspired by 1960s sci-fi and The Jetsons, offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, with stunning visuals compared to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. However, the question looms: will Pascal’s controversy dampen audience enthusiasm, or will the film’s quality prevail?

Box office projections are optimistic, with some analysts predicting Fantastic Four could challenge Warner Bros.’ Superman reboot, also released in 2025. The Superman film has garnered strong buzz for its bold take on the iconic hero, but Fantastic Four’s family-driven narrative and star-studded cast give it a competitive edge. Critics like Brandon Davis on X called it “one of the best things Marvel has ever done,” highlighting its emotional depth and visual spectacle. Yet, the online backlash against Pascal could alienate a portion of the audience, particularly those sensitive to the #BanPedro narrative. Disney and Marvel have remained silent on the issue, likely hoping the film’s quality will overshadow the noise.

The controversy also raises broader questions about celebrity culture and public perception. Pascal’s defenders argue that his tactile nature is part of his charm, a trait seen in his warm interactions with fans and co-stars alike. At a Sydney fan event, he was described as “deftly working the crowd,” signing autographs and taking selfies, reinforcing his image as an approachable star. However, critics on X, like @terminallyOL, have pointed to a “trend of Pedro Pascal hate,” suggesting that the backlash may stem from broader discontent with his rapid rise to fame. The actor’s outspoken political comments, such as his support for Rachel Zegler’s pro-Palestinian posts and his call to boycott the Harry Potter franchise over J.K. Rowling’s views, have also fueled polarized reactions, as noted in a Bleeding Fool article.

Vanessa Kirby, too, has faced scrutiny, though to a lesser extent. Her performance as Sue Storm has been hailed as the emotional core of Fantastic Four, with critics praising her ability to balance strength and vulnerability. In a Metro Philadelphia interview, Kirby shared her passion for the role, saying, “It always seemed to me kind of revolutionary to have this mother at the center of this family, but also be absolutely part of the team, never left at home on her own.” Her portrayal, especially in a dramatic childbirth scene, has drawn comparisons to her Oscar-nominated role in Pieces of a Woman. Yet, her close association with Pascal during promotions has inadvertently pulled her into the controversy, with some fans questioning her comfort with his behavior.

As the film rolls out globally, the cast’s off-screen chemistry remains a double-edged sword. The genuine camaraderie among Pascal, Kirby, Quinn, and Moss-Bachrach, forged through weeks of rehearsals, translates beautifully on screen. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, in a Metro Philadelphia interview, described the experience as “really freeing,” noting how the cast’s immediate connection enhanced their performances. However, the public’s fixation on Pascal and Kirby’s interactions risks overshadowing this chemistry, turning a strength into a liability.

Will the controversy sink Fantastic Four: First Steps, or will audiences look past the noise to embrace Marvel’s first family? The film’s early reviews suggest it has the potential to be a game-changer, with a tight 1-hour-55-minute runtime and a focus on character-driven storytelling. Unlike previous Fantastic Four adaptations, which struggled with tone and execution, this reboot leans into its comic book roots, delivering a mix of heart, humor, and spectacle. The post-credits scene, teased as “minimal yet seismic,” hints at connections to 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday, further raising stakes for the MCU’s future.

For now, the spotlight remains on Pedro Pascal, whose star power and polarizing actions keep him at the center of the conversation. Whether the #BanPedro movement gains traction or fades, the film’s success will likely hinge on its ability to captivate “normie” audiences—those less swayed by online drama and more focused on the story. As Marvel navigates this turbulent launch, one thing is clear: Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just a movie but a cultural flashpoint, blending superhero spectacle with real-world controversy. Catch it in theaters to see if Marvel’s first family can rise above the fray.