Just when we thought the internet couldn't get any thirstier for the internet's daddy, Pedro Pascal has officially sent global feeds into a total tailspin. New, undeniably cozy paparazzi photos of the 50-year-old actor and his longtime friend, Argentine art director Rafael Olarra, surfaced this week, capturing a level of intimacy that has fans screaming "soft launch." The images, snapped during a sun-drenched stroll in Los Angeles, show the pair looking inseparable, with Pascal getting notably "handsy" in a way that has redefined the timeline for celebrity viral moments 2026.
The "Handsy" Photos That Stopped the Scroll
If you were anywhere near social media on Tuesday, you saw them. The photos, obtained by TMZ, show Pascal and Olarra walking through a Beverly Hills neighborhood in athletic wear, looking effortlessly comfortable. But it wasn't just a casual walk. The The Last of Us star was photographed with his arm wrapped tightly around Olarra's waist, at one point leaning in to rest his chin affectionately on Olarra's shoulder.
The body language is screaming intimacy. Olarra, who was sporting a leg brace on his left leg (more on that later), seemed equally smitten, with his arm draped over Pascal's shoulders. Unlike the stiff, PR-curated paparazzi walks we're used to seeing, this felt raw, genuine, and incredibly sweet. It’s the kind of unbothered, tactile energy that Pascal has become famous for, but dialled up to eleven. Naturally, Pedro Pascal viral photos became a trending topic within minutes, with fans dissecting every pixel of the embrace.
From NYC to LA: A Timeline of Their Cozy Outings
While the Los Angeles photos are the ones breaking the internet right now, eagle-eyed fans know this isn't the first time the duo has been spotted together recently. The rumor mill actually kicked into high gear over Valentine's Day weekend, when Pascal and Olarra were seen braving the New York City chill together.
The "Wuthering Heights" Date Night
Earlier in February, the pair were spotted in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. They were photographed linking arms—a precursor to the LA PDA—before heading into a theater to catch a screening of the new Wuthering Heights adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Witnesses reported seeing them "periodically chatting" and whispering during the film, looking very much like two people enjoying a low-key date night. The transition from a snowy NYC movie date to a sunny, PDA-filled LA stroll has convinced many that this is more than just a casual friendship.
Who Is Rafael Olarra? Meet the Man of the Hour
With Pedro Pascal Rafael Olarra trending, everyone is asking the same question: Who is the man capturing the heart of Hollywood's most eligible bachelor? Rafael Olarra is no stranger to the creative world—or the celebrity spotlight. He is an Argentine art director and artist, known for his work with the Faena luxury hotel group.
Olarra also has a history in the public eye regarding his dating life. He was previously in a serious relationship with actor Luke Evans from 2019 to 2021. The two were Instagram official and often spotted together before their split. Olarra’s artistic background and low-key vibe seem to mesh perfectly with Pascal's chaotic-good energy. Plus, the fact that he's currently rocking a leg brace hasn't stopped him from keeping up with Pascal, adding a layer of "supportive partner" energy to the photos that fans are eating up.
"Soft Launch" or Just Friends? The Internet Spirals
The reaction to these Pedro Pascal handsy photos has been nothing short of iconic. FunnyVot celebrity news feeds are currently flooded with memes reacting to the news. On TikTok, a new Pedro Pascal TikTok trend has emerged where users are reenacting the "chin rest" pose with their friends, partners, and even pets. The consensus? It’s the ultimate sign of comfort.
"I don't know if I want to be Pedro or Rafael," one user commented on X (formerly Twitter), summing up the collective confusion and jealousy of the internet. Others are praising Pascal for living his truth without a formal announcement. In an era of curated press releases, Pascal simply living his life and hugging the people he loves is a breath of fresh air. Whether this is a romantic "soft launch" or just an intense display of platonic affection, the internet has decided: they are obsessed.
What’s Next for the Internet’s Favorite Daddy?
As we move further into 2026, Pascal's schedule is only getting busier. With the highly anticipated release of The Mandalorian & Grogu coming in May and his role in Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, the actor is at the peak of his career. Yet, it's these quiet, personal moments that seem to resonate most with his fanbase.
Neither Pascal nor Olarra has officially commented on the nature of their relationship, and honestly? They don't need to. The pictures speak volumes, and for now, we're just happy to see Pedro looking this happy. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for the next chapter in this unfolding saga—and refreshing our feeds for more iconic memes.
