Pregnant Vanessa Kirby’s Fake ‘Fantastic Four’ Belly Was Heavier Than Her Actual Bump
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/vanessa-kirby-fantastic-four-first-steps-072425-32cca8b36e55485da5b3029fcaa2cc88.jpg)
Vanessa Kirby, the talented actress who portrays Sue Storm in the upcoming Marvel film ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, is not only expecting her first baby with boyfriend Paul Rabil, but she recently shared some insights into the challenges of wearing a fake baby bump for her role.
During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Kirby candidly discussed the differences between her on-screen fake pregnancy belly and her real bump. The 37-year-old actress revealed that the fake belly she wore for the Marvel film was actually heavier than her genuine baby bump, causing her some discomfort.
In the latest Marvel movie, Kirby plays the role of Sue Storm, also known as the superhero Invisible Woman, who becomes pregnant by Pedro Pascal’s character Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. Kirby shared that the fake belly was initially made of foam and felt quite light and impractical. Upon requesting for it to be more realistic, heavy rice packets were added to make the belly more authentic, albeit causing her backaches in the process.
Despite the challenges of wearing the fake belly, Kirby expressed her admiration for the journey her character goes through in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Sue’s pregnancy is portrayed as a natural part of her character without defining her solely as a mother, showcasing her strength and resilience as a team member facing formidable challenges.
Kirby first announced her pregnancy publicly at the CCXPMX Film Festival in Mexico City in May 2025 while elegantly flaunting her real baby bump in a form-fitting dress. Her partner, Paul Rabil, later confirmed the news on Instagram with a heartfelt post, expressing their excitement for the new chapter ahead as parents.
The actress and the retired lacrosse player have been open about their relationship, with Kirby posting romantic photos from their vacations together and Rabil sharing sweet messages about their partnership. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been met with overwhelming support and well wishes from fans and followers.
As Kirby navigates both the joys of impending motherhood in real life and the challenges of portraying a pregnant superhero on screen, her experiences have provided her with newfound perspectives and insights. Through her role as Sue Storm, she has found a deeper appreciation for the complexities of balancing personal growth with professional responsibilities.
In conclusion, Vanessa Kirby’s candid revelations about her fake pregnancy belly being heavier than her actual bump shed light on the intricacies of portraying motherhood on screen while preparing for it in real life. Her dedication to her craft and her personal journey towards motherhood make her a relatable and inspiring figure for fans and viewers alike.