Argentine art director photographed kissing Pascal’s shoulder, grabbing his butt during Beverly Hills stroll — third public outing in three weeks intensifies relationship speculation
Introduction
Rafael Olarra surged in Google Trends after paparazzi photos showed him in an affectionate embrace with actor Pedro Pascal during a Beverly Hills stroll on Monday, February 24, 2026, igniting widespread speculation about their relationship. The images — published exclusively by TMZ and circulated across major entertainment outlets — show Pascal kissing Olarra’s shoulder and wrapping his arm around his waist, while Olarra appears to grab Pascal’s butt during the casual afternoon outing.
The 42-year-old Argentine art director and creative professional has become the subject of intense online interest after being photographed with the 50-year-old Last of Us star on three separate occasions over the past three weeks: Valentine’s Day weekend in New York City, a theater outing to see Wuthering Heights days later, and now Monday’s Beverly Hills stroll. Neither Pascal nor Olarra has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship, and when asked by a photographer about the nature of their bond, both kept mum.
Background and Context
Rafael Olarra has largely stayed outside the mainstream Hollywood spotlight until this month. Born in Argentina, Olarra studied at the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires and built his career primarily in the creative industries, working across art direction, visual culture, and brand development. His work spans multiple disciplines, including fashion campaigns, advertising projects, exhibitions, events, theatre, and television production.
Professionally, Olarra has been linked to creative direction roles within the luxury hospitality and cultural sector, including projects associated with the Faena brand — a collection of luxury hotels and cultural spaces. Within the creative industry, Olarra is regarded as an experienced art director with international reach, though he has not historically been a fixture in celebrity media coverage.
His name previously surfaced in entertainment headlines in 2020-2021 due to a public relationship with Welsh actor and singer Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers). The pair went Instagram official in February 2020, according to People, then announced their breakup in 2021 after about a year together. Following that split, Olarra largely stepped back from tabloid attention and kept his personal life private.
Pedro Pascal, meanwhile, has consistently maintained privacy regarding his relationships and sexuality. The Chilean-born actor is best known for starring roles in The Last of Us, The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones (where he played canonically bisexual character Oberyn Martell), and upcoming projects including The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026) and Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), where he will portray Reed Richards in Marvel’s Fantastic Four. According to Queerty, Pascal is a staunch LGBTQ+ ally.
Latest Update: What the Photos Show
Here’s what triggered the spike in search interest, based on verified reporting from TMZ, Out Magazine, Parade, Just Jared, IBTimes UK, and other outlets:
Monday, February 24: Beverly Hills Stroll
Pedro Pascal and Rafael Olarra were photographed in Beverly Hills on Monday afternoon (February 23 or 24, depending on reporting), dressed casually in athletic wear. Olarra was wearing red shorts, a cap, and a lower-leg brace. Pascal wore a green cap, relaxed shirt, and shorts.
Photos obtained by TMZ show:
- Pascal kissing Olarra’s left shoulder while wrapping his right arm around Olarra’s waist
- Olarra returning the affection by reaching his left arm around Pascal
- Olarra grabbing Pascal’s butt for a quick squeeze, according to Just Jared
- Both men laughing and smiling in the California sunshine, appearing comfortable and in good spirits
- The pair never straying far from one another during the casual neighborhood stroll
When asked by a photographer about the nature of their relationship, both Pascal and Olarra kept mum. TMZ published video footage of the encounter.
Early February: New York City Sightings
Pascal and Olarra were first photographed together in New York City over Valentine’s Day weekend (around February 6-8, 2026, based on Out Magazine reporting). TMZ reported: “Pedro Pascal and Rafael Olarra were snapped in New York City over the weekend…and we have pics of them linking arms on their way to grab a Sunday lunch. The two dressed dapper as they checked out the Lower East Side, getting in a little sightseeing before their meal.”
Days later, they were photographed attending a screening of Wuthering Heights — Emerald Fennell’s film starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie — “while periodically chatting in the cozy theater,” according to reports.
The NYC outing came shortly after Pascal performed onstage with Bad Bunny, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Timeline Summary:
- Early February 2026: Valentine’s weekend in NYC, holding hands, linking arms
- Mid-February 2026: Wuthering Heights screening together
- Monday, February 24, 2026: Beverly Hills stroll with visible PDA
Social Media Reaction:
Fans immediately flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky with speculation, memes, and supportive commentary. TMZ tweeted: “EXCLUSIVE: 👀 Pedro Pascal was seen getting handsy with pal Rafael Olarra in Los Angeles.”
Many fans expressed excitement at seeing Pascal appear happy and comfortable in public, regardless of relationship labels. Others celebrated the potential confirmation of Pascal’s sexuality, given his history of playing LGBTQ+ characters and supporting inclusive storytelling.
No Official Confirmation:
Neither Pascal nor Olarra has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. Photos show affection and physical closeness, but both have publicly described their bond as a friendship so far — or more accurately, have not publicly described it at all.
Expert Insights and Media Analysis
Why This Story Went Viral:
Celebrity relationship rumors often trend due to three drivers:
- High-profile celebrity involvement — Pascal is among Hollywood’s most in-demand actors with a massive global fanbase
- Ambiguous visual evidence — Photos show clear affection but lack official confirmation
- Lack of immediate clarification — Neither party has addressed the speculation
Pedro Pascal’s massive global fan base amplified the story rapidly. When a celebrity with franchise-level fame (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Marvel Cinematic Universe) appears in candid photos with someone unfamiliar to mainstream audiences, curiosity spikes instantly.
The “Internet Boyfriend” Factor:
Pascal has been dubbed the “internet boyfriend” by fans for years, making any perceived romantic connection headline material. Entertainment analysts note that viral speculation cycles often peak within 48 hours unless confirmed or denied by official representatives.
Privacy vs. Public Interest:
This episode highlights how public outings can quickly evolve into national headlines, especially when one party has global recognition. For entertainment outlets, paparazzi coverage drives short-term traffic spikes — TMZ’s exclusive photos and video generated millions of views within hours.
LGBTQ+ Representation and Authenticity:
Pedro Pascal has long been admired for supporting inclusive storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation. Seeing him openly affectionate in public, regardless of labels, resonates strongly with fans who value authenticity. As one analyst noted: “For many supporters, the excitement isn’t just about romance. It’s about seeing someone they admire appear happy.”
Online engagement surged following the LA photos, with search interest and social conversations climbing noticeably.
Broader Implications
For Celebrity Privacy:
This episode highlights how public outings can quickly evolve into national headlines, especially when one party has global recognition. Pascal’s history of keeping his personal life private makes the repeated, affectionate public appearances with Olarra all the more notable to fans and media.
For Media Ecosystem:
Entertainment outlets increasingly rely on real-time paparazzi coverage to capture trending moments that drive short-term traffic spikes. TMZ’s exclusive photos and video footage set the news cycle, with dozens of outlets republishing and analyzing the images within hours.
For Fan Culture:
Online communities often celebrate potential relationships, particularly when fans perceive chemistry or emotional authenticity in candid photos. The images show “no staged poses or red-carpet theatrics. Instead, the images show laughter, closeness, and comfort,” as one outlet described it.
For Rafael Olarra’s Public Profile:
Rafael Olarra’s recent public appearances with Pedro Pascal have placed him firmly in the spotlight. His name began trending worldwide after multiple celebrity news sites amplified the story. Search interest in Olarra’s biography, career, and personal life surged, with outlets publishing explainers about his work in the creative industries.
The renewed visibility stems not from a new professional venture but from his association with Pascal. This pattern is common when relatively private creative professionals are photographed with A-list actors.
Related History
Pedro Pascal has previously kept his personal life private, rarely confirming romantic relationships publicly. As a result, any perceived connection quickly becomes headline material. Similar speculation cycles have occurred with other A-list actors following casual public appearances, demonstrating how quickly narrative momentum builds in digital media environments.
Pascal portrayed canonically bisexual character Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, has been a vocal LGBTQ+ ally, and has consistently supported inclusive storytelling throughout his career. However, he has not publicly discussed his own sexuality or romantic life in interviews.
Rafael Olarra’s previous public relationship with Luke Evans lasted from early 2020 to 2021. Since that split, Olarra maintained a low public profile until the recent Pascal sightings.
What Happens Next
Unless Pascal or Olarra address the rumors directly, the story will likely follow a predictable trajectory:
Short-term (Next 48-72 hours):
- Continued photo circulation across entertainment outlets
- Social media debate and analysis
- Possible statements from representatives (though neither has commented so far)
Medium-term (Next 1-2 weeks):
- Gradual decline in search interest if no confirmation or additional sightings
- Shift to other celebrity news cycles
Long-term outcomes:
If confirmed: The story could shift into broader profile coverage of Rafael Olarra and his background, including his work at Faena and his creative industry career. Pascal’s upcoming projects (The Mandalorian & Grogu in May 2026, Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026) would generate renewed interest in his personal life.
If denied or left unaddressed: The speculation will gradually fade unless additional sightings occur. Pascal’s history of maintaining privacy suggests he may not address the rumors at all.
If additional sightings occur: More photos would intensify media coverage and potentially force a public statement.
For now, the dating rumors remain unconfirmed, but the online conversation shows no signs of slowing just yet.
Conclusion
Rafael Olarra’s sudden rise in search interest underscores how proximity to a globally recognized actor can instantly elevate public visibility. Whether the relationship speculation proves accurate or not, the viral moment demonstrates the speed at which celebrity culture and digital media intersect.
The images of Pascal and Olarra laughing together in Beverly Hills, sharing affectionate moments, and appearing genuinely comfortable in each other’s company have captivated fans worldwide. For many, the story is less about confirming a relationship and more about celebrating what appears to be authentic connection and happiness.
As one fan tweeted: “Pedro Pascal looking happy is all I need to see.”
Whether that happiness includes romance with Rafael Olarra remains an open question — one that only the two of them can answer.
FAQ
Q1: Why is Rafael Olarra trending? Rafael Olarra is trending because he was photographed in an affectionate embrace with actor Pedro Pascal during a Beverly Hills stroll on Monday, February 24, 2026. The photos show Pascal kissing Olarra’s shoulder and Olarra grabbing Pascal’s butt, sparking dating rumors. This marks the third public outing between the two in three weeks.
Q2: Are Pedro Pascal and Rafael Olarra dating? There has been no official confirmation from either party. Photos show visible affection — including kissing, hand-holding, and physical closeness — but neither Pascal nor Olarra has publicly addressed the nature of their relationship. When asked by a photographer, both kept mum.
Q3: Where were the photos taken? The most recent photos were taken during a casual stroll in Beverly Hills on Monday, February 24, 2026. Earlier sightings occurred in New York City’s Lower East Side over Valentine’s Day weekend and at a Wuthering Heights screening in mid-February.
Q4: Who is Rafael Olarra? Rafael Olarra is a 42-year-old Argentine art director and creative professional. He studied at the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires and works in creative direction for luxury hospitality and cultural projects, including work associated with the Faena brand. He was previously in a public relationship with actor Luke Evans from 2020 to 2021.
Q5: Has Pedro Pascal commented on his sexuality? No. Pedro Pascal, 50, maintains a private personal life and has not publicly discussed his sexuality or romantic relationships. He is a staunch LGBTQ+ ally and has played LGBTQ+ characters, including canonically bisexual Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones.
Sources and References
Yahoo Entertainment: Pedro Pascal Getting Handsy With Pal Rafael Olarra in Los Angeles https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/pedro-pascal-getting-handsy-pal-183421978.html
Out Magazine: Pedro Pascal and Rafael Olarra’s Dating Rumors: A Breakdown https://www.out.com/celebs/pedro-pascal-rafael-olarra-boyfriend-dating-explained
Parade: Rafael Olarra and Pedro Pascal Show Affection on Stroll in L.A. Amid Dating Rumors https://parade.com/news/rafael-olarra-and-pedro-pascal-show-affection-on-stroll-in-l-a-amid-dating-rumors
