Honestly, following Kaia Gerber’s love life has felt a bit like watching a high-speed chase through the Hollywood Hills for the last few years. One minute she’s with a comedian, the next it’s a heartthrob in a leather jacket, and then—poof—it’s over. But as we settle into 2026, things look... different. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the paparazzi shots from the beach in Mexico or the red carpets in Venice, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Kaia Gerber’s new boyfriend is Lewis Pullman, and frankly, it might be the most "normal" thing she’s ever done.
It’s refreshing.
Most people are used to seeing Kaia with guys who take up a massive amount of oxygen in the room. Austin Butler had the Elvis voice that wouldn't quit. Jacob Elordi has that brooding, "I’m too cool for this" energy. But Lewis? He’s the guy who played Bob in Top Gun: Maverick. He’s the guy who shows up, does an incredible job, and then goes home to live a life that doesn't involve constant "main character" energy.
The Lewis Pullman Era: How It All Started
So, how did this even happen? Most fans were still mourning the end of her three-year run with Austin Butler when the first rumors started swirling. To be fair, the timeline moved fast. Kaia and Austin reportedly called it quits at the tail end of 2024. By January 2025, she was already being spotted at a birthday dinner for Lewis in Los Angeles.
They didn't rush to confirm it. They didn't do a "hard launch" on Instagram with a cryptic caption. They just... existed.
It wasn't until the Venice Film Festival in September 2025 that they really let the world in. They were photographed holding hands and looking genuinely happy—not just "red carpet happy," but the kind of happy where you forget the cameras are there. Since then, they've been inseparable. Just last week, in early January 2026, they were seen hitting the beach in Mexico with her mom, Cindy Crawford. If you're wondering if it’s serious, when the supermodel mom is hanging out with the boyfriend on a holiday break, the answer is usually a resounding "yes."
Why This Relationship is "Healing" for Kaia
Kaia actually went on the Therapuss podcast with Jake Shane a few months ago and dropped some rare truth bombs about her dating history. She didn't name names, but she didn't really have to. She talked about how she used to date older men and felt like she had to "give up everything" to fit into their worlds.
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She was 20 when she started dating Austin, who was 30. That’s a decade. When you’re in your early 20s, a ten-year gap isn't just a number; it’s a different level of life experience.
With Lewis, who is 32 (making them about eight years apart), she says things feel "easy and natural." She even used the word "healed." Think about that for a second. In the high-pressure cooker of being a "nepo baby" (her words, sort of) and a world-class model, finding someone who doesn't require you to perform is huge.
The Friend Group Test
One of the funniest things she mentioned was that Lewis has basically become the "group's boyfriend." Her friends adore him. Usually, when a celebrity gets into a new relationship, they disappear into a bubble. They stop hanging out with their old crew. But according to Kaia, Lewis integrated so well that he’s just one of the gang now. That’s a massive green flag.
Who Exactly is Lewis Pullman?
If you recognize the name but can't quite place the face, here’s the deal. Lewis is Hollywood royalty in his own right, but the low-key kind. His dad is Bill Pullman—yes, the President from Independence Day.
Lewis has been grinding in the industry for over a decade. He wasn't an overnight success. He did the short films, the indie roles, and then finally broke through with:
- Bad Times at the El Royale (he was the bellhop, and he was incredible)
- Top Gun: Maverick (as the lovable, nerdy Bob)
- Lessons in Chemistry (alongside Brie Larson)
- Thunderbolts* (the upcoming Marvel movie where he's playing Sentry)
He has this "regular guy" vibe that is incredibly rare for someone dating a girl who grew up in a Malibu mansion. Sources close to the family say Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford are big fans because he’s "low-key" and not caught up in the spotlight. He's an actor because he likes acting, not because he wants to be a celebrity.
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Breaking the Pattern
Let’s be real: Kaia’s dating history has been a bit of a whirlwind.
- Pete Davidson (2019): She was 18. He was... Pete Davidson. It lasted a few months and was peak tabloid fodder.
- Jacob Elordi (2020-2021): The "it" couple of the pandemic. They looked like a Pinterest board come to life, but reports said the schedules (and maybe the egos) clashed.
- Austin Butler (2021-2024): This was the big one. Three years. Met Galas. Cannes. They were the gold standard of "cool" couples. But by the end, rumors suggested her parents were nudging Austin to either propose or move on.
Then came Lewis.
The transition from Austin to Lewis represents a shift in what Kaia seems to value. She’s moving away from the "power couple" narrative and toward something that looks like actual partnership. She told Jake Shane that she thinks people should "date their friends" or people they’d be friends with anyway. It sounds like she finally stopped looking for a costar and started looking for a teammate.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
The biggest misconception is that this is just another "rebound" after Austin Butler. When you date someone for three years and move on within a couple of months, people assume you're just filling a hole.
But if you look at the way Kaia speaks now, it’s clear she’s doing a lot of internal work. She’s not just filling a gap; she’s changing the criteria. She’s choosing "calm" over "chaos."
Also, can we talk about the "engagement" rumors? A photo went viral recently of a guy on one knee in front of Kaia, and the internet lost its mind. It wasn't Lewis. It was actually her co-star from The Shards, and it was a total joke. They aren't engaged. They are just... dating. And in 2026, maybe just "just dating" and being happy is the most revolutionary thing a celebrity can do.
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What’s Next for the Couple?
Both of them have massive years ahead. Kaia is neck-deep in Palm Royale Season 2 and several film projects. Lewis is about to become a household name when Thunderbolts* hits theaters. Usually, when one partner’s fame skyrockets, the relationship feels the strain.
However, Lewis seems uniquely prepared for this. He grew up watching his dad navigate fame without losing his mind. He knows how to keep his head down.
If you're looking for lessons from Kaia’s new chapter, here are a few takeaways:
- Prioritize "easy" over "intense." If a relationship requires you to change your personality to fit in, it’s probably not the one.
- The "Friend Test" matters. If your best friends don't just "tolerate" your partner but actually want to hang out with them without you, you've found a winner.
- Privacy is a choice. You can be the most famous model in the world and still keep the "sacred" things for yourself.
Keep an eye on the red carpets for the Thunderbolts* premiere later this year. If the past few months are any indication, we’re going to see a lot more of these two, likely looking very "low-key" and very much in love.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to see the chemistry for yourself, go back and watch the September 2025 Venice Film Festival footage. Pay attention to the way they interact when they think the cameras aren't zoomed in—it tells a much bigger story than any official statement ever could. You can also check out Lewis's performance in Lessons in Chemistry to get a feel for the "vibe" Kaia is so into right now.