Pedro Pascal explains why he and Vanessa Kirby are 'always grabbing onto one another' after fans point out body language

Pedro Pascal joined his Fantastic Four co-stars on the red carpet for the star-studded premier of Marvel's new First Steps movie this week, and after some fans drew attention to his body language towards Vanessa Kirby, here's everything you need to know.

Pascal and Kirby were first announced to be working together in Marvel's new movie back in February 2024, when it was confirmed that they would be forming part of the Fantastic Four along with The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn.

Pascal takes on the role of Reed Richards in the superhero flick, while Kirby plays Sue Storm, Quinn portrays Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach appears as Ben Grimm.

Since being cast together, Kirby and Pascal have spent a lot of time together - not only filming the movie, but promoting it, too.

Are Pascal and Kirby in a relationship?

No, the two actors aren't dating. Kirby is in a relationship with Paul Rabil, with whom she's expecting her first child, while Pascal is not currently reported to be in a relationship.

However, Pascal has explained that he and Kirby are very comfortable around one another.

During an interview with Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Take, The Last of Us actor explained: "I think that we really, really see each other in ourselves in terms of our care for what we do, our care for one another, and our mutual fears, our mutual expectations. We can be kind of hard on ourselves, and I just think that we’re very, very similar.”

Why do Pascal and Kirby hold hands on the red carpet?

One particular aspect of the recent red carpet event that's gained attention online is Pascal's body language towards Kirby, with videos showing the actor stroking his co-star's arm before setting his hand on her wrist.

The intimacy between the pair left some fans confused, with one writing, "wtf he touching her so much," while another described the situation as 'weird'.

However, Pascal has explained that he and Kirby tend to use physical touch to remind each other that they're 'not alone', saying: "We are always grabbing onto one another to remind each other that we’re not alone in any of it.”

Fantastic couple 💙🤍 #TheFantasticFour pic.twitter.com/OmrWvxfcop

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 22, 2025

Kirby has previously shown a similar reaction towards Pascal in 2024, when the actor reached out for support and Kirby responded by holding his hand.

Pascal has previously explained that the feeling of human connection helps him deal with anxiety, telling Men's Health: "When it started to feel so critical, I had to go back to what was always the comfort for me in life, which was engagement in my relationships, my friendships, and conversation and shared experience."

What has Kirby said about Pascal?

Kirby addressed the 2024 encounter with Pascal in an interview with Vanity Fair last month, where she assured that she didn't find the situation strange.

She said: “What happened is we were both incredibly nervous going out in front of thousands of people who love this comic. He wanted me to know that we were in this together, and I found it a lovely gesture and was very glad to squeeze his hand back.”

Fans also stuck up for Pascal after people questioned the video, with one writing: "Does it matter what yall think? If she don’t care that’s all that matters."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas now.