The promotional tour for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, has been a whirlwind of excitement, dazzling audiences with its retro-futuristic charm and star-studded cast. However, it’s not just the film’s visuals or the promise of Galactus as a cosmic threat that has fans buzzing. The off-screen dynamic between lead actors Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby has ignited a firestorm of speculation, memes, and debate across social media platforms like X and Instagram. Their tactile interactions—hand-holding, hugs, and moments of gentle face-stroking—have left fans both intrigued and puzzled, with some praising their bond as heartwarming and others questioning its appropriateness. What’s the real story behind their affectionate displays, and why has it stirred such a polarized response?

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby portray Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), the iconic couple at the heart of Marvel’s First Family. The film, directed by Matt Shakman, dives into a 1960s-inspired alternate universe, weaving a tale of family, love, and cosmic heroism. Off-screen, Pascal and Kirby’s chemistry mirrors the closeness of their characters, but their public interactions during the press tour have taken things to another level. From San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 to the Los Angeles premiere, the duo has been spotted holding hands, embracing, and even sharing moments of quiet reassurance, like Kirby stroking Pascal’s face during a Buzzfeed interview. These gestures, often tender and intimate, have sparked a wave of curiosity about the nature of their relationship.

The intrigue began at Comic-Con, where Pascal, visibly nervous before a massive crowd, reached for Kirby’s hand on stage. Kirby later explained in a Vanity Fair interview that the gesture was a mutual act of support, a way to ground each other in a high-pressure moment. She described the experience, noting how both were overwhelmed by the thousands of passionate Marvel fans, and Pascal’s hand-squeeze was a reminder they were in it together. This moment, captured on video and shared widely on X, set the tone for their press tour, where physical touch became a recurring theme. At the Los Angeles premiere, Pascal was photographed resting his hand on Kirby’s pregnant belly, a gesture that raised eyebrows given Kirby’s engagement to lacrosse player Paul Rabil.

For some fans, these moments are endearing, a testament to a deep, platonic friendship forged through the intensity of filming and promoting a blockbuster. Kirby herself has spoken glowingly about Pascal, calling him “heavenly” and emphasizing the familial bond among the cast, which includes Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. In an interview with Comic Book Movie, she highlighted how Pascal’s emotional intelligence and support made their on-screen chemistry authentic. Pascal echoed this sentiment, telling Collider he felt lucky to work with Kirby, describing their connection as natural and reflective of their characters’ love story. Supporters on X have pointed out that Pascal’s openness about his anxiety explains his need for physical touch as a coping mechanism, with Kirby stepping in as a compassionate friend.

Yet, not all reactions have been positive. The viral clips of their interactions, particularly Kirby stroking Pascal’s neck or Pascal touching her arm, have fueled skepticism and criticism. Some netizens on X have labeled the behavior “weird” or “inappropriate,” especially in light of Kirby’s pregnancy and engagement. Posts circulating online have questioned why Pascal’s tactile tendencies seem reserved for female co-stars, with one user sarcastically remarking, “Why does he never get anxiety gropes with male co-workers?” Others have referenced the #MeToo movement, raising concerns about consent and professionalism in Hollywood’s post-2017 landscape. A viral X post from @boredpanda even called the interactions “diabolical,” pointing to Kirby’s personal life as a reason for discomfort. The backlash has been intense enough to spark memes, with some fans humorously exaggerating the situation by speculating about a secret affair, despite no evidence supporting such claims.

The real reason behind their affectionate dynamic, however, seems rooted in something far less scandalous: mutual support and vulnerability. Pascal has been candid about his struggles with anxiety, a topic he’s addressed in interviews as far back as 2023 during a The Last of Us screening. He explained to co-star Bella Ramsey that he often places his hand on his chest to self-soothe, a habit fans have noticed in his signature red-carpet pose. Kirby, aware of this, appears to have taken on a supportive role, offering physical reassurance during high-stakes public appearances. In a 2024 interview, she spoke about helping Pascal through anxious moments, a sentiment echoed by fans who defend their bond as a beautiful example of platonic care. One X user wrote, “Guys, calm down. Pedro suffers from some type of anxiety disorder. He needs to touch or be touched to feel comfortable.”

This explanation hasn’t silenced all critics, though. Some argue that the public nature of their interactions, especially in professional settings, crosses a line. The debate has even drawn comparisons to broader cultural discussions about boundaries and gender dynamics in Hollywood. While Kirby has dismissed rumors of impropriety, emphasizing her respect for Pascal, the controversy highlights a tension between society’s discomfort with male vulnerability and its quickness to judge emotional intimacy. As one FandomWire article noted, perhaps what needs reevaluation is not Pascal and Kirby’s friendship but our own biases against men showing unapologetic affection.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps press tour has also been marked by lighter moments that showcase the cast’s camaraderie. During an interview with BBC 1 Radio, Pascal and Kirby recounted being “told off” on a flight from London to Mexico City for talking too much, a story that had them laughing about their disruptive antics alongside co-stars Quinn and Moss-Bachrach. These anecdotes paint a picture of a cast that genuinely enjoys each other’s company, a dynamic that likely contributes to the film’s praised chemistry. Early reviews on X have lauded the movie’s visuals and the performances of Pascal and Kirby, with some calling it a refreshing take on the MCU’s First Family, despite mixed opinions on pacing and casting.

As the dust settles on the press tour, the fascination with Pascal and Kirby’s relationship continues to captivate audiences. Their story is a reminder of the power of human connection in the high-pressure world of Hollywood, where vulnerability can be both a strength and a lightning rod for controversy. For every critic questioning their closeness, there’s a fan celebrating their authenticity, proving that even in the age of social media scrutiny, kindness and support can still shine through. The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be about superheroes saving the world, but off-screen, Pascal and Kirby are showing that sometimes, the real heroism lies in being there for a friend.

For those eager to dive deeper into the Fantastic Four universe, the film is now playing in theaters, offering a chance to see whether the on-screen chemistry between Pascal and Kirby lives up to the hype. And for fans scrolling through X or Instagram, the debate over their “touchy” friendship is sure to keep sparking conversation, proving that even superheroes can’t escape the internet’s watchful eye.