Pedro Pascal Faces Backlash Over Alleged Inappropriate Behavior During Fantastic Four Press Tour

The promotional campaign for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps has been a whirlwind of excitement, stellar reviews, and retro-futuristic charm. However, a cloud of controversy has emerged, centering on Pedro Pascal, the film’s leading man, who plays Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic). A viral video from the YouTube channel YellowFlash 2 has sparked heated discussions, accusing Pascal of inappropriate behavior toward co-star Vanessa Kirby and other women during the press tour. The video’s provocative title, “‘HE INTENTIONALLY TOUCHED MY ‘THERE’”: Vanessa Kirby denounces Pedro Pascal’s ‘harassment’,” has fueled speculation, but the reality behind these claims is far more nuanced than the sensational headline suggests.

YellowFlash 2’s video dissects moments from the Fantastic Four: First Steps press tour, pointing to instances where Pascal’s physical interactions with Kirby, who plays Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), appeared overly familiar or uncomfortable. One clip highlights Pascal touching Kirby’s pregnant belly during a red carpet event, an action the channel labels as “creepy” and “inappropriate.” The video’s narrator argues that Pascal’s behavior extends beyond Kirby, citing other instances where he allegedly “groped” female colleagues, contrasting this with his more reserved interactions with co-stars like Bella Ramsey. “It’s weird, man. He’s all over Vanessa, but you don’t see him doing this with Bella,” the narrator remarks, suggesting a pattern of selective physicality.

The video also speculates about the nature of Pascal and Kirby’s relationship, with the narrator jokingly proposing that Pascal might be hiding his sexuality or that the two share a closer bond than friendship. “Are they secretly together, or is Pedro just playing it up for the cameras? Either way, it’s raising eyebrows,” the narrator quips. These remarks have ignited debates on social media, with some fans defending Pascal’s actions as playful camaraderie and others expressing discomfort over the perceived lack of boundaries.

Despite the video’s bold claims, it’s worth noting that Kirby herself has not publicly denounced Pascal. In fact, during a July 2025 press tour interview, Kirby praised her male co-stars, including Pascal, for supporting her through her pregnancy while filming Fantastic Four: First Steps. “I get emotional thinking about how I had these three incredible men by my side, both in the movie and in life,” she said, suggesting a positive working relationship. This contradicts the narrative of harassment pushed by YellowFlash 2, raising questions about the video’s selective editing and framing.

Pascal has also addressed his tactile nature in past interviews, linking it to his struggles with anxiety. In a 2023 conversation with Deadline at the premiere of The Last of Us, he explained, “I often put my hand on my chest during red carpet events because my anxiety is right there. A familiar touch helps me cope.” Fans on platforms like X have echoed this sentiment, with one user, @camkasky, posting, “Vanessa seems enthusiastic about their friendship. People are acting like she has no agency here.” Another user, @TinoBambino3, took a lighter approach, joking, “They’re gonna end up at a Coldplay concert,” referencing a recent unrelated scandal. However, not all reactions have been supportive. A post by @DrwillpF accused Pascal of using anxiety as an “excuse to grope women,” reflecting the polarized opinions online.

The controversy hasn’t gone unnoticed by the media. Outlets like Daily Mail and National World have reported on the viral clips of Kirby stroking Pascal’s face or the two holding hands, framing these moments as “confusing” or “weird” to some fans. Yet, these reports also acknowledge the context of their roles as an on-screen married couple, which required them to build a close rapport. Kirby herself described their preparation process in a June 2025 Collider interview: “We spent months bonding, doing workshops to create a deep connection. Reed and Sue’s love story is resilient, and we wanted it to feel earned.”

While YellowFlash 2’s video insists Pascal’s behavior is “bizarre” and “unexplainable,” it concedes that it’s unlikely to impact the box office performance of Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film, released on July 25, 2025, has garnered rave reviews for its retro ’60s aesthetic, stellar cast, and emotional depth. Critics from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have praised Pascal and Kirby’s chemistry, with IGN noting, “Sue Storm saves the day multiple times, and Kirby’s dynamic with Pascal gives the movie its heart.” Early box office projections suggest a strong opening weekend, with some analysts comparing it to the recent Superman film, though YellowFlash 2’s narrator remains skeptical about the superhero genre’s long-term viability. “Superhero movies are on shaky ground. If Fantastic Four doesn’t deliver, it’s another nail in the coffin,” he warns.

The video’s broader commentary touches on the challenges facing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Phase Six. With Fantastic Four: First Steps kicking off this new era, the pressure is on to recapture the magic of the Infinity Saga. Initial reactions have been largely positive, with Variety calling the film “a breathtaking ride” and Deadline describing it as “a satisfying and stylish Marvel adventure.” However, mixed reviews on X highlight pacing issues and casting debates, particularly around Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm. “Kirby’s Sue is the only part worth seeing,” one user posted, reflecting a divided audience.

As the controversy around Pascal continues to simmer, YellowFlash 2’s video ends with a call to action, urging viewers to share their thoughts in the comments and promoting a crowdfunded comic book produced by the channel. “We’ve got limited copies left, so grab yours now,” the narrator enthuses, seamlessly blending outrage with self-promotion. This tactic has drawn criticism from some viewers, who see the video as capitalizing on clickbait rather than offering substantive critique. “It’s just drama for views,” one X user remarked, while others argue it sparks a necessary conversation about boundaries in Hollywood.

What’s clear is that Fantastic Four: First Steps remains a focal point of both excitement and scrutiny. Pascal’s actions, whether playful or misguided, have amplified the film’s visibility, for better or worse. As Kirby navigates her pregnancy and the demands of stardom, her grace under pressure has won admiration, with fans on X praising her as “a powerhouse.” Meanwhile, Pascal’s charm and vulnerability continue to endear him to many, even as detractors question his conduct.

The true impact of this controversy may not be felt until the film’s box office numbers roll in or future MCU projects unfold. For now, Fantastic Four: First Steps is poised to dazzle audiences with its cosmic adventure and family-driven narrative. Whether Pascal’s off-screen antics overshadow the on-screen magic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Marvel’s First Family has sparked a conversation that’s as fiery as the Human Torch himself.