Rafael Olarra has recently found himself at the center of Hollywood gossip once again. The Argentine creative director, known for his sophisticated work with luxury brands and his artistic vision, is now being linked to Pedro Pascal, the Chilean-American star of The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. This new speculation comes after Olarra maintained a notably low profile following his previous high-profile relationship with Welsh actor Luke Evans. While neither party has confirmed the current rumors, the photographs of Olarra and Pascal together have set the entertainment world abuzz. To understand the significance of this potential new romance, it's worth examining Olarra's past relationship with Evans—a partnership that exemplified discretion, sophistication, and the challenges of maintaining privacy in the public eye.
The connection between Rafael Olarra and Luke Evans emerged quietly in the summer of 2019, away from the typical Hollywood fanfare that often accompanies celebrity couplings. Unlike many high-profile relationships that begin with a viral moment or a dramatic public declaration, their bond formed organically through mutual connections in the intersecting worlds of art, fashion, and cinema. Olarra, who honed his craft at Buenos Aires' prestigious Universidad del Cine, had established himself as a creative force working with elite brands like Faena. His background in visual storytelling and luxury branding positioned him as a respected figure in creative circles, far from the glare of Hollywood's spotlight.
Evans, meanwhile, had already cemented his status as a leading man through roles in major productions such as Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit trilogy, and Fast & Furious 6. The Welsh actor had been open about his sexuality since the early 2000s, telling The Advocate that he had "never tried to hide" who he was. Despite this openness, Evans had consistently maintained a private stance regarding his romantic relationships, rarely sharing details about his partners with the public. His approach made the eventual public glimpses into his relationship with Olarra all the more noteworthy.
Their relationship remained under the radar during its initial months, but by autumn 2019, the pair began making subtle public appearances together. The most notable of these was their attendance at the European premiere of Frozen 2 in November 2019. This marked their sole official red carpet appearance as a couple, where they posed alongside one another with restrained elegance, keeping any public displays of affection minimal and tasteful. The understated nature of their appearance spoke volumes about their approach to sharing their personal lives with the world. They appeared comfortable yet controlled, projecting an image of a couple who valued their privacy above publicity.
The relationship transitioned from private to public in February 2020 when Evans shared a personal video from a Hawaiian getaway. The footage captured the couple laughing together on the beach, with Evans adding a playful caption: "He loves my Welsh humour....no, honestly!! He does!!" The post resonated with fans and friends alike, drawing comments such as "Cute couple" from designer Brian Atwood. This moment represented a rare instance of Evans openly celebrating his partnership, a departure from his typically guarded approach to his romantic life. Olarra had also appeared in earlier social media posts, including snapshots from a January run and group holiday photos in Miami, painting a picture of a stylish, international duo who seemed largely untroubled by media scrutiny.
Throughout their time together, Olarra and Evans embodied what many would describe as an understated "It couple"—fashionable, cosmopolitan, and seemingly unbothered by the relentless attention that often follows Hollywood relationships. Their social media presence, when it existed, felt authentic rather than performative. They weren't trying to build a brand around their relationship or leverage it for career advancement. Instead, they appeared to be two people who genuinely enjoyed each other's company and occasionally shared those moments with the world.
By October 2020, observant fans detected subtle but telling changes in the couple's social media behavior. Evans had unfollowed Olarra on Instagram and systematically removed images featuring his former partner from his profile grid. In the digital age, such actions speak louder than words, and these moves were quickly interpreted as signs of trouble in paradise. Olarra, however, retained at least one photograph of Evans on his own page, accompanied by a poignant caption: "Missing this devilish smile." These digital breadcrumbs quickly fueled speculation about a potential split, with fans and gossip outlets analyzing every detail for clues.
The confirmation arrived in early 2021 when Evans addressed the situation directly in an interview with The Times. While he declined to elaborate on specifics, his succinct statement—"It is what it is"—acknowledged the end of their relationship with characteristic brevity. Reports suggested the separation was amicable, with no public drama or contentious exchanges between the two men. This quiet conclusion mirrored the relationship's overall tone: respectful, private, and handled with maturity. Neither party engaged in public mudslinging or attempted to control the narrative through strategic leaks to the press.
Following his split from Evans, Olarra retreated from the public eye, maintaining an exceptionally low romantic profile for several years. His professional work continued to flourish, but his personal life remained firmly out of the spotlight—until recently. Photographs emerged showing Olarra spending time with Pedro Pascal, immediately sparking rumors of a new romance. The images, while not explicitly romantic in nature, were enough to set the gossip machine in motion, particularly given Olarra's history of dating high-profile actors and his consistent preference for discretion.
Pascal, who has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors through his work in The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Game of Thrones, and various film projects, represents another major figure in the entertainment industry. The Chilean-American star has cultivated a reputation as charismatic and private, rarely discussing his personal life in interviews. This shared value for privacy could potentially make him and Olarra compatible, though it's equally possible that their connection is purely platonic or professional.
The nature of their relationship remains undefined, with neither Olarra nor Pascal offering public comment on the speculation. In today's media landscape, where a single photograph can launch a thousand headlines, the decision to remain silent is itself a statement. It suggests a desire to control one's own narrative rather than being defined by paparazzi shots or social media speculation. The entertainment industry has seen countless relationships begin and end under the harsh glare of public scrutiny, making Olarra's approach all the more refreshing.
Rafael Olarra's romantic trajectory reveals a pattern of intentional privacy and selective sharing that sets him apart in an era of oversharing. His relationship with Luke Evans demonstrated that it's possible to date a global superstar while maintaining a sense of normalcy and avoiding media circus. The organic beginning, the measured public debut, and the respectful conclusion all highlight a mature approach to love in the limelight. There were no staged paparazzi walks, no coordinated Instagram announcements, and no post-breakup tell-alls.
The current speculation surrounding Pedro Pascal suggests that Olarra continues to move in elite Hollywood circles, attracting the attention of some of the industry's most prominent figures. Whether this develops into a confirmed relationship or remains a platonic connection between two creative professionals, Olarra's track record indicates he'll handle the attention with the same grace and discretion that characterized his time with Evans. His ability to maintain privacy while dating some of the world's most recognizable actors is a testament to his commitment to personal boundaries.
In an era where celebrity relationships are often commodified and dissected in real-time across social media platforms, Olarra's commitment to privacy stands out as increasingly rare. His story serves as a reminder that even in Hollywood, some prefer to let their work speak louder than their romantic entanglements, choosing to protect their personal lives from the relentless glare of public scrutiny. As fans and media continue to speculate about his connection to Pascal, Olarra remains a figure who defies the typical celebrity relationship playbook, proving that it's possible to navigate love and fame on one's own terms.