Los Angeles, California, USA– During the high-profile press tour for Marvel’s upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, co-stars Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby have become the subject of intense online discussion due to their visibly close interactions. A scene that has gone viral in which Pascal tenderly rubbed Kirby’s elbow during a promotional event has not only shown how well they work together as Reed Richards and Sue Storm, but it has also sparked a bigger conversation about how famous people deal with mental health issues when they are always being watched.
Many fans have described their relationship as “genuine” and “emotionally supportive,” which has led many to think that the two are friends in real life, which makes their on-screen connection even stronger, as a Mandatory article points out. Beyond the single viral instance, Pascal has been observed reaching out to Kirby on several occasions throughout the press tour. Kirby has also shown this intimacy by stroking Pascal’s face, holding hands, and even leaning in for a playful kiss on the cheek during interviews.
Pedro Pascal’s honesty about his anxiety and physical connection
The increased focus on their physical encounters has a lot to do with Pedro Pascal being honest about his own problems with anxiousness. Pascal has said before that physical contact can help him stay grounded when things get really stressful, according to a piece from Men’s Health. In a recent interview, the star of The Last of Us talked on how the pandemic’s isolation made her realize how important it is to talk and connect with others emotionally.
it's hilarious how incels are furious everytime pedro touches vanessa when this is her towards pedro https://t.co/6NZpgAnqFa pic.twitter.com/yv7RHheGQg
— steven with a v (@sakotrak) July 22, 2025
Pascal said that reaching out to others and connecting with them, both physically and emotionally, helps him deal with his nervousness. He told Men’s Health, “I was always the type of person who would reach out when I was going through something hard or making me anxious.” The story went on to say that Pascal uses strategies like caressing someone’s arm, putting a hand on his own stomach, or looking someone in the eye during interviews to calm himself down. The encounter with Vanessa Kirby that is currently being talked about could be an example of this kind of coping method.
Online Argument About Public Displays of Affection
While many onlookers and fans have celebrated the visible warmth and apparent camaraderie between Pascal and Kirby, their frequent physical contact in public has also sparked a debate concerning professional boundaries. This discussion has been particularly fueled by reports that Vanessa Kirby is engaged (she is reportedly engaged to Paul Rabil and revealed in May 2025 that she is expecting her first child).
According to a Tribune report, the interactions between the actors appear to be mutual, friendly, and consensual, with no indication of discomfort from either side. Neither Pascal nor Kirby has publicly commented on the ongoing online discourse.
However, critics have questioned whether such repeated physical contact is always appropriate during work-related appearances, regardless of intent. Conversely, supporters have passionately defended Pascal and Kirby, arguing that their gestures simply reflect a natural and supportive friendship, not impropriety. This argument is often bolstered by Pascal’s transparency about his anxiety and his reliance on grounding techniques, suggesting that his actions are genuine coping mechanisms rather than a disregard for professional decorum.
A Bigger Talk About Celebrities’ Mental Health
Beyond the specifics of this incident, the viral moments have ignited a broader societal conversation about how public figures navigate their mental health while operating under the constant scrutiny of the media and public eye. The Men’s Health report underscored that Pascal’s coping mechanisms resonate with many people, regardless of their celebrity status. His candidness serves as a reminder that even those in the spotlight face deeply human struggles and employ relatable methods to manage them, fostering a more empathetic understanding of mental health in general.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 25, 2025.