When stars collide, the sparks can fly in unexpected ways! Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby are under the spotlight for their intimate on-screen chemistry during the promotional tour for their film, "Fantastic Four: First Steps." But what seems like friendly support has ignited a heated online debate.

The buzz began at San Diego Comic-Con last year when Vanessa, who is pregnant with her fiancé Paul Rabil’s child, was seen tenderly holding Pedro's hand, seemingly to help calm his anxiety. The Chilean actor has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and how physical touch comforts him during stressful moments, particularly on the red carpet.

As they hit the blue carpet for the "Fantastic Four" premiere, their closeness drew mixed reactions. Many have labeled their displays of affection as "inappropriate" and even provocative. In one viral clip, Pedro is seen affectionately rubbing Vanessa’s arm, while at other events, she has stroked his face and neck, kissed him on the cheek, and held his hand.

During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Pedro playfully placed his hands on Vanessa's waist, jokingly exclaiming, "You can’t leave me alone that long!" His statement, coupled with their playful banter, has been shared widely on social media, racking up an astonishing 50 million views.

Social media is abuzz with opinions on their camaraderie. While some fans find their interactions sweet and a display of supportive friendship, others argue it's crossing professional boundaries. One comment, heavily liked, proclaimed, "If my wife was doing this with her coworker, I’d be furious!" Another user chimed in, questioning the appropriateness of their behavior in a workplace setting.

Amid this storm, a throwback video resurfaced showing Pedro's friendly gestures with other stars, including touching Willem Dafoe's arms. This type of harmless camaraderie seems to be part of his comforting nature. In an interview with The Guardian, Pedro revealed that anxiety has been a lifelong companion for him, shaping who he is today.

Despite the controversies, Vanessa described Pedro as an "incredibly loving" person and a "wonderful friend," emphasizing the importance of their close bond for delivering heartfelt performances. She expressed her gratitude for having him as a leading partner in the superhero universe.

As debates rage on, fans remain divided: Is the playful rapport between Peter and Vanessa simply a result of their deep friendship, or are they blurring the lines of workplace professionalism? One comment humorously observed, "When will they be booking tickets to see Coldplay together?" highlighting how even in the midst of controversy, fans can't help but root for their favorite stars.