Pedro Pascal is being heavily criticized for Vanessa Kirby’s excessive affection for him during the promotional events for ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ despite the fact that she’s a married woman.

The promotional tour for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, released on July 25, 2025, has been a whirlwind of excitement for fans, but it has also sparked a firestorm of controversy surrounding its lead actors, Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. The duo, who play Reed Richards and Sue Storm, the MCU’s power couple, have drawn significant attention for their off-screen interactions, which many have deemed overly affectionate. Kirby, who is engaged to Paul Rabil and pregnant, has been spotted stroking Pascal’s face, holding his hand, and kissing his cheek during interviews and red-carpet events, prompting a wave of criticism directed at Pascal. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with fans and detractors debating the appropriateness of their behavior, with some accusing Pascal of crossing boundaries, while others defend the pair’s camaraderie as a reflection of their close friendship and on-screen chemistry.

The controversy began to gain traction during the film’s global press tour, which included stops in Sydney, London, and Los Angeles. At the Los Angeles premiere, Pascal was photographed gently touching Kirby’s baby bump on the red carpet, a moment that sparked polarized reactions. A viral video from a Buzzfeed interview showed Kirby affectionately stroking Pascal’s beard while he smiled, and another clip from Heart’s radio show captured them holding hands. These moments, reported by outlets like the Daily Mail and Bored Panda, fueled speculation about a romantic connection, with some X users labeling their interactions as “weird” or “inappropriate.” One user wrote, “Pedro hides behind anxiety as an excuse to grope women,” referencing Pascal’s public statements about using physical touch to manage social anxiety. Another post on X claimed, “Vanessa Kirby is grabbing Pedro Pascal’s hands and forcing them off her body,” suggesting discomfort, though Kirby’s own comments contradict this narrative.

Kirby has been vocal about their bond, telling the Associated Press, “I knew we had to be close friends to show love and care on screen, and that has never ended for us. He’s such a generous, wonderful friend.” She described Pascal as “incredibly loving” and emphasized their platonic connection, noting their shared experiences as newcomers to the MCU. Pascal echoed this sentiment, telling Reuters, “I think we see ourselves reflected in each other,” highlighting a natural rapport that developed during filming. Their on-screen dynamic as Reed and Sue, a married couple navigating superhero duties and impending parenthood, required a deep emotional connection, which both actors say informed their off-screen closeness. Director Matt Shakman praised their chemistry, telling Marvel.com that their authentic bond anchors the film’s family dynamic, a cornerstone of the Fantastic Four’s appeal.

However, the public’s reaction has been less forgiving. Some X users have accused Pascal of exploiting his “anxiety” narrative, with one post stating, “No man’s reaction to anxiety is doing this; he’s just weird.” Others have speculated about an affair, with comments like, “You’d think if you were cheating on your fiancé, you’d hide it better,” as seen in a post by @popculture_show. These criticisms overlook Kirby’s agency, as she has consistently initiated physical gestures and expressed comfort with Pascal. Supporters on X have pushed back, with one user noting, “Vanessa is obviously not uncomfortable with Pedro; they’re good friends, not romantic.” Another defended Pascal, saying, “People are projecting their insecurities onto him. Holding hands doesn’t equate to anything scandalous.”

The backlash has overshadowed the film’s positive reception, which includes praise for its retro-futuristic aesthetic and the cast’s performances, particularly Kirby’s standout role as Sue Storm. Critics like Robbie Collin of The Telegraph called it “Marvel’s best film in a decade,” highlighting Kirby’s commanding presence. Yet, the focus on Pascal and Kirby’s interactions has sparked a broader conversation about boundaries in professional settings, especially when one party is in a committed relationship. Kirby’s engagement to Rabil, a professional lacrosse player, and her pregnancy have amplified scrutiny, with some fans arguing that public displays of affection, even if platonic, can be misconstrued.

As The Fantastic Four: First Steps sets up Avengers: Doomsday, where Pascal’s Reed and Kirby’s Sue will face Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, the controversy may continue to follow them. For now, the debate rages on X, with fans divided between those celebrating the cast’s familial bond and those questioning its propriety. Pascal and Kirby remain steadfast, focusing on their shared passion for the project and their roles as Marvel’s First Family, but the saga underscores the intense scrutiny that comes with stardom in the MCU’s spotlight.

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