Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal/Instagram

Pedro Pascal, long hailed as the internet's sweetheart, is facing unexpected backlash after a red carpet moment with Fantastic Four: First Steps co-star Vanessa Kirby sparked an online firestorm.

@finishcinemaboy

Pedro Pascal suffers from anxiety and Vanessa Kirby without hesitation supported him in this moment. Beautiful. Be a human. ❤️‍🩹 - Follow @thecinemalife1 🎥📽🥰 Follow @thecinemalife1 🎥📽🥰 Follow @thecinemalife1 🎥📽🥰 - #cinema #actors #shorts #movies #film #movie #castingdirector #actor #director #pedropascal #vanessakirby

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In the viral clip, Pascal is seen gently placing a hand on Kirby's shoulder while holding her hand during a press appearance. Initially interpreted as a warm, grounding gesture, the moment has since been turned into a meme. Critics are now questioning whether Pedro Pascal's behaviour, previously celebrated as endearing, is an example of selective social anxiety — one that only appears around his attractive female co-stars.

Social media users have dubbed it 'hot girl anxiety', with some suggesting the actor appears visibly nervous or overly tactile only around women deemed conventionally beautiful. While many have defended him, others argue that the line between anxious behaviour and performative closeness can be blurred in public settings — especially under the spotlight of red carpet cameras.

Pedro Pascal has spoken candidly about his struggles with anxiety in the past. In a 2025 Men's Health interview, the Materialists and Eddington star reflected on how isolation during the pandemic shifted his ability to connect, describing periods of emotional disconnection and the ways he has had to rebuild his social instincts.

'I was always one to reach out when I'm facing something that is challenging or making me anxious,' he said, noting how he often resorts to grounding techniques during overwhelming moments, such as placing his hand on his chest to self-soothe during public appearances.

Vanessa Kirby, for her part, addressed the red carpet moment directly, saying in an interview: 'He does have anxiety, and he's been open about it... the way he holds your hand or anchors you? That's him being protective, not anxious.'

The situation has left fans divided. Some view the memes as harmless fun, while others see it as a harsh twist for an actor who has built his public image around emotional openness and quiet vulnerability.

With his sister Lux by his side at the same premiere, Pedro also drew praise for his respectful gesture of helping her with her outfit, another example, some argue, of the warmth that once made him so beloved.

@mtvuk

Pedro Pascal helping his sister Lux with the placement of her dress is so sweet 🥹 Pedro and Lux were the ultimate brother-sister duo at the Fantastic Four: First Steps premiere in LA ❤️ #pedropascal #luxpascal #thefantasticfour #mtvmovies

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Pedro Pascal's much-anticipated superhero debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to hit UK theatres on 24 July 2025. Starring alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film marks a fresh reboot of Marvel's iconic franchise, with Pascal taking on the role of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic.