Vanessa Kirby announces pregnancy; debuts baby bump at ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ red carpet event- PICS INSIDE

Congratulations are in order for Vanessa Kirby who is pregnant with her first child!The mum-to-be announced her pregnancy while stepping out to promote her upcoming Marvel superhero film 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' at CCXP Mexico. The surprise news has fans buzzing with joy and curiosity, especially given its overlap with her on-screen role.The British actress, made her first public appearance showing off her baby bump on the red carpet. Dressed in an elegant blue shimmery geometric gown that accentuated her baby bump, Kirby posed for photographers.Kirby has been engaged to professional Lacrosse star Paul Rabil. News of their engagement broke in December, after two years together. The couple first sparked dating buzz when they were spotted holding hands and strolling around New York City back in October 2022. They made their romance Instagram official when Rabil posted cute pics and a heartfelt message saying, “from the very minute we first met in Des Moines, around the world and back, life is far better, more purposeful and more beautiful with you.” The announcement comes as an emotional surprise for many fans, especially as her character, Sue Storm aka Invisible Woman, is also pregnant in the upcoming superhero film. Footage from Fantastic Four: First Steps screened earlier this year at CinemaCon confirmed Sue’s pregnancy and the recent release of a Pop! Funko figure teased the arrival of baby Franklin Richards, a central figure in the Marvel Comics universe known for his world-altering mutant powers.The coincidence between Kirby’s personal life and her film role left fans feeling rather emotional as one posted, “Seeing Vanessa Kirby play a pregnant woman in ‘Pieces of a Woman,’ which got her an Oscar nom, to now seeing her pregnant in real life (while promoting a movie where Sue Storm is pregnant too) feels like a surreal full circle.”Others were a little confused but overjoyed nonetheless, saying, “Is Vanessa Kirby really pregnant or is this just for her character? Either way, I’m so happy for her.” Another commented, “Is she REALLY pregnant or just carrying Franklin to the red carpets?”Kirby, previously earned acclaim for her raw portrayal of motherhood in 'Pieces of a Woman'. As for Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film is expected to delve into Sue Storm’s journey not only as a superhero but as a mother — a plotline that may play a key role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s post-Avengers: Doomsday' and 'Avengers: Secret Wars' - with Franklin Richards potentially being a pivotal character.Fantastic Four: First Steps is slated for release on 25 July 2025.