Is ‘The Fantastic Four’ Actress Really Married? Who is Paul Rabil?

Vanessa Kirby has the world wrapped around her finger as she traverses from one iconic role after another. Rising from her celebrated credits as Princess Margaret in The Crown and Mission: Impossible, Kirby cemented her place among Hollywood’s upper echelon. Now she is leaping into life’s next chapter. At 37, she is not only getting into the fray of her Marvel debut as Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but also gearing up for her most intimate role to date: motherhood. 

Appearing on the red carpet for the movie’s photocall in Mexico, the actress caressed her baby bump as several silver rings on her fingers sparked curiosity. And now more than ever, the spotlight has shone brighter on her partner, lacrosse icon-turned-entrepreneur Paul Rabil.

Who is Paul Rabil and how did he meet Vanessa Kirby?

First romantically linked in 2022, Vanessa Kirby and Paul Rabil, a former lacrosse legend-turned-entrepreneur, officially announced their relationship on Instagram in November 2023. Rabil was a standout at Johns Hopkins University before winning World Lacrosse championships. He also played in both Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL) before co-founding the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) with his brother Mike in 2018 and retiring from professional games in 2021 to focus on business.

In a 2023 Instagram post, Rabil revealed that he met Kirby in Des Moines, Iowa, without sharing any details about their relationship. Kirby and Rabil were first pictured together taking a romantic stroll across New York City, snaps of which were published by The Daily Mail. Before this relationship became known, Kirby was linked to actor Callum Turner, her co-star from the 2014 film Queen and Country. Meanwhile, Rabil was previously married to lacrosse player Kelly Berger from 2014 to 2017.

When did Vanessa Kirby and Paul Rabil get engaged?

According to Page Six, Vanessa Kirby got engaged to Paul Rabil two years into their relationship, as reported in December 2024. However, apart from adorable Instagram posts about each other, neither has flaunted their relationship with extravagant public displays, instead opting for private camaraderie and respect. In April, Kirby shared a glimpse of their romantic vacation together on Instagram, featuring heartwarming snapshots of the couple doting on each other.

The couple made their first joint public appearance at Rabil’s National Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction in January 2025. In his acceptance speech, Rabil publicly thanked Kirby for supporting him beyond his struggles. And now the couple, who have not officially acknowledged their engagement yet, are rushing to parenthood rather than the altar.

When did Vanessa Kirby announce her pregnancy?

Though Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby have been turning heads throughout The Fantastic Four press tour for odd reasons, the actress made a sweeter revelation at the film’s photocall in Mexico City in May 2025. Cradling her baby bump, announcing her first pregnancy, which eerily and beautifully mirrored her character, Sue Storm, who is also pregnant in the film’s story. Meanwhile, Kirby’s partner, Paul Rabil, also took to Instagram to share his joy, announcing her pregnancy, writing, “Mum’s a superhero.”  

This convergence adds a special meta-element to her Marvel debut as she enters motherhood herself, while bringing an authentic experience to a fiercely protective and highly intellectual motherly superhero. For the unversed, Kirby’s Storm is pregnant with her and Reed Richards’ son, Franklin, in the upcoming movie.   

Vanessa Kirby also elaborated on her experience on set in an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, stating that acting with a weighted prosthetic belly made her more accepting of the motherhood experience, despite the discomfort.  

What’s next for Vanessa Kirby and Paul Rabil?

Looks like Vanessa Kirby and Paul Rabil’s days of leisure and relaxation must stay on hold as they prepare to welcome their first baby together. On the professional front, the couple is reaching new heights, with a bright but hectic horizon ahead. Kirby’s MCU entrance as Sue Storm comes July 25, 2025, in the highly anticipated 60s aesthetic Phase 6 movie. With follow-ups for her character in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Secret Wars (2027) already lined up, Kirby will be booked and busy as she deals with an uncharted chapter in her life.

Meanwhile, Rabil has transitioned from playing on the field to leadership. As PLL president, he is guiding the development and profitability of the league. Approaching parenthood together, the low-key couple’s relationship continues to bloom into a stronger bond teeming with admiration for each other as they work hard to lay the right foundations of their brand-new family.

Are you excited for Vanessa Kirby’s Marvel debut as Sue Storm, as both the character and the actor enter motherhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below.