5 Shocking Details About Vanessa Kirby's Pregnancy While Filming Fantastic Four (And The Baby's Arrival)
The swirling rumors are finally put to rest: Vanessa Kirby, the acclaimed British actress known for her roles as Princess Margaret in The Crown and the new Invisible Woman in the MCU, has officially confirmed her pregnancy and, according to the latest reports, has already welcomed her first child. As of December 19, 2025, the news of the baby’s arrival has sent waves of excitement through Hollywood, particularly because of the unique circumstances surrounding her pregnancy—namely, filming two massive Marvel blockbusters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Avengers: Doomsday, while expecting. This article dives into the fresh details of her journey into motherhood, her partner, and the surprising on-set challenges.
The 37-year-old star first debuted her baby bump publicly at the CCXP Mexico Film Festival on May 31, 2025, while promoting her highly anticipated role as Sue Storm. Her partner, former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil, later announced the birth of their first baby on social media, making this a celebratory close to 2025 for the couple. This intensely private actress has now shared a very public chapter of her life, giving fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a Marvel superhero in the making.
Vanessa Kirby: Complete Biographical Profile
Vanessa Nuala Kirby has established herself as one of the most versatile and respected actresses of her generation, transitioning seamlessly between stage, television, and major blockbuster films. Her career is marked by complex, emotionally resonant performances that have earned her critical acclaim worldwide.
- Full Name: Vanessa Nuala Kirby
- Date of Birth: April 18, 1988
- Age (as of late 2025): 37
- Birthplace: Wimbledon, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Parents: Roger Kirby (retired prostate surgeon) and Jane Kirby
- Siblings: Joe Kirby (elder brother) and Juliet Kirby (younger sister)
- Education: Studied English at the University of Exeter.
- Partner: Paul Rabil (Dating since 2022, engaged in December 2024)
- Major Career Highlights:
- Television: Princess Margaret in The Crown (2016–2017)
- Film: Martha in Pieces of a Woman (2020), White Widow in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Hattie Shaw in Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
- Upcoming Roles: Sue Storm / Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) and Avengers: Doomsday
- Key Awards & Nominations:
- BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress (The Crown)
- Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress (Pieces of a Woman)
- Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Pieces of a Woman)
The Revelation: Debuting the Baby Bump at CCXP Mexico 2025
The news of Vanessa Kirby’s pregnancy was not a quiet press release but a stunning public debut that perfectly aligned with her new superhero status. On May 31, 2025, she attended the CCXP Mexico Film Festival to promote Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Walking the red carpet in a sleek, form-fitting teal gown, the actress visibly showcased her baby bump, confirming months of speculation. This moment was a powerful juxtaposition: the actress preparing to embody the iconic Invisible Woman, a character known for strength and protection, was simultaneously embracing the real-life role of motherhood.
The impending arrival of her first child with Paul Rabil was a joyous surprise for fans, especially following the couple’s recent engagement news in December 2024. Rabil, a legendary figure in professional lacrosse, has been a steady presence in Kirby’s life since mid-2022.
5 Surprising Details of Filming Sue Storm While Pregnant
Kirby’s pregnancy occurred during a demanding period of her career, requiring her to film the highly physical and effects-heavy roles of Sue Storm in the MCU. She was on set for both The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the subsequent ensemble film, Avengers: Doomsday, while expecting. This unique challenge led to several fascinating, behind-the-scenes revelations about how Hollywood handles a pregnant superhero.
1. The Fake Baby Bump Was Heavier Than Her Real One
In a candid interview, Vanessa Kirby revealed a surprising detail about her work on Fantastic Four. For a scene where her character, Sue Storm, was also pregnant, the costume team equipped her with a prosthetic baby bump. She noted that the fake bump, which was weighted down with "heavy loads of rice," felt significantly heavier and more uncomfortable than her actual, real-life pregnancy bump.
2. She Was Filming Action Scenes for Two MCU Films
Kirby’s pregnancy spanned the production of two major Marvel Cinematic Universe films. She was simultaneously portraying the Invisible Woman in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and a significant role in Avengers: Doomsday. This required careful coordination with the production teams to ensure her safety while still capturing the necessary action and performance.
3. Costume Adjustments for the Invisible Woman Suit
Playing a superhero requires a highly specialized suit, and Kirby’s pregnancy necessitated significant adjustments to the Invisible Woman costume. The production team had to be creative, adapting the form-fitting suit to accommodate her growing bump without compromising the look of the iconic character. This required intricate tailoring and material choices to maintain the integrity of the superhero aesthetic.
4. The Emotional Layer of Playing a Mother Figure
Kirby has spoken about how her real-life journey into motherhood influenced her portrayal of Sue Storm. The Invisible Woman is often seen as the emotional core and maternal figure of the Fantastic Four team. Being pregnant while playing the role added a unique, profound emotional depth to her performance, allowing her to connect with the character’s protective instincts and inner strength on a personal level.
5. Paul Rabil Announced the Baby's Arrival
In a heartwarming moment that confirmed the end of her pregnancy journey, Paul Rabil took to Instagram to announce the birth of their first baby. The announcement, made on December 19, 2025, confirmed that the couple had quietly welcomed their child, marking a beautiful new chapter in their lives together. This official confirmation brought the story full circle, from the public debut of her bump to the joyous announcement of her baby's arrival.
The Future: Motherhood and the Marvel Cinematic Universe
As Vanessa Kirby embarks on motherhood, her career continues its upward trajectory. The arrival of her baby coincides with the global anticipation for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where she is set to redefine the character of Sue Storm. Her portrayal is expected to be more intense and emotionally layered than previous iterations, reflecting the depth she brings to all her roles.
Kirby’s ability to navigate a demanding blockbuster filming schedule while pregnant is a testament to her dedication and the support she received from her partner, Paul Rabil, and the production teams. This new dual role—superhero and mother—only adds to the fascinating narrative of one of Britain’s most talented exports.
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