The recent press tour for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps has thrust Hollywood star Pedro Pascal into the spotlight, but not for the reasons he might have hoped. The 50-year-old actor, celebrated for his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, is facing a wave of online scrutiny and cheating allegations due to his affectionate interactions with co-star Vanessa Kirby during promotional events for the film. As the two actors portray the iconic comic book couple Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman), their off-screen chemistry has sparked a polarized debate among fans and critics, with some praising their camaraderie and others questioning the appropriateness of their behavior.

The controversy began when a 16-second clip from a Marvel Studios promotional event went viral, amassing over 38 million views after being reposted by content creator Feared Buck on X. The video captured Pascal and Kirby holding hands, hugging, and exchanging playful gestures, including Kirby stroking Pascal’s face and Pascal gently rubbing her arm. These moments, coupled with other instances from the press tour—such as Pascal placing his hand on Kirby’s waist during a Vanity Fair interview and Kirby playfully kissing his cheek—have fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship. Some fans have gone so far as to accuse Pascal of inappropriate behavior, with one X user sarcastically commenting, “Pedro Pascal kissing Vanessa Kirby’s hand for the 9000th time today while promoting Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Another post, liked by over 400,000 users, stated, “If my wife was doing this with her coworker I’d k*ll myself in a public space.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Kirby, 37, is engaged to Paul Rabil and expecting her first child, a fact that has intensified the backlash. Critics on social media have labeled the actors’ interactions as “diabolical” and “inappropriate,” particularly given Kirby’s personal circumstances. One X post questioned, “How does Pedro Pascal get away with heavily petting his female costars, in Hollywood of all places, after the entire industry was upended over MeToo several years ago?” The sentiment reflects a broader discomfort among some fans who argue that the actors’ touchy-feely behavior crosses professional boundaries, especially in the context of Kirby’s engagement and pregnancy.

However, supporters of Pascal and Kirby have been quick to defend the pair, emphasizing the context of their actions. Pascal has been open about his struggles with anxiety, revealing in interviews with Men’s Health and The Guardian that physical touch, such as holding hands or placing a hand on his torso, helps him manage stress during high-pressure events like red carpet appearances. Kirby has also spoken candidly about their close friendship, describing Pascal as “incredibly loving” and “supportive” in an Associated Press interview. She highlighted the emotional bond they developed while preparing for their roles, noting, “I knew we had to be such close friends to be able to really show love and care on screen, and that has never ended for us.” Kirby’s comments underscore the mutual trust and respect that underpins their interactions, with many fans arguing that their gestures are platonic and rooted in Pascal’s need for grounding during public appearances.

The actors’ defenders also point out that Kirby is an active participant in these interactions, often initiating physical contact herself. For instance, during a San Diego Comic-Con panel in 2024, Kirby was seen reassuring Pascal onstage, a moment she later described to Vanity Fair as a way to help him cope with nerves. “We were both nervous to be on stage talking about the film,” she explained, emphasizing that their hand-holding was a gesture of mutual support. Additionally, Pascal’s history of affectionate behavior extends beyond Kirby; a resurfaced video from a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony showed him touching Willem Dafoe’s arms and his wife’s cheek, suggesting that such gestures are part of his demeanor rather than targeted flirtation.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about professional boundaries, mental health, and the public’s tendency to sensationalize celebrity interactions. While some fans remain unconvinced, dismissing the actors’ explanations as “just acting” to sell their on-screen chemistry, others see their bond as a refreshing example of genuine friendship in Hollywood. Kirby herself has addressed the speculation, praising Pascal’s equality and support in a Collider interview: “I’ve never had a male actor as a counterpart who’s been so utterly equal and supportive.” As The Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters on July 25, 2025, the film’s success may ultimately overshadow the online drama, but for now, Pascal and Kirby’s close bond continues to captivate and divide audiences.