In footage from the Venice Film Festival on Monday, now widely circulated on social media, Styles is seen approaching Pine to take a seat next to the actor at a screening of the thriller. As Styles quickly moves to his seat, he makes a subtle “puh” motion with is mouth, suggesting he may have spit. Pine looks down at his lap, pauses his applause, then shakes his head and grins as if there may have been some kind of joke between the two stars.
Others argue that nothing can be seen coming out of Styles mouth.
CNN has reached out to representatives for the actors for comment.
It’s the most recent movie-campaign moment to raise speculation things are not all love between those involved with the project.
There were, however, plenty of smiles from the cast at Monday’s festivities.
Pine was seen on the red carpet, charmingly taking photos with a disposable camera of the film’s star, Florence Pugh. Styles planted a friendly kiss on co-star Nick Kroll during a lengthy standing ovation for the film after the screening.
People on social media were quick to point out there wasn’t much public interaction between “Don’t Worry Darling” director Olivia Wilde and Pugh, but Wilde had nothing but praise for the actress.
“Florence is a force,” Wilde said a press conference earlier Monday. “I can’t say enough how honored I am to have her as our lead. She’s amazing in the film.”
The director was asked about reports she and Pugh have experienced a falling out.
“As for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, I mean, the internet feeds itself,” Wilde said. “I don’t feel the need to contribute. I think it’s sufficiently well-nourished.”
Indeed. During that same press conference Pine appeared to at times be distracted, which led Twitter to dub his appearance there as “Chris Pine astral projecting.”