If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or scrolled through Disney fandom Twitter lately, you’ve definitely seen the "Fralachi" edits. The shipping of Malachi Barton and Freya Skye reached a fever pitch after Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires dropped, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Their chemistry as Victor and Nova was electric. It was that classic, slow-burn tension that makes fans want to scream at their screens.
But let’s get into the question that has been blowing up everyone's DMs and comment sections: Did Malachi Barton and Freya Skye kissing actually happen, or are we all just victims of really good acting and some clever editing?
The short answer? On-screen, their characters Victor and Nova shared a deeply romantic arc, but the "big kiss" fans were dying for wasn't exactly the centerpiece of the film. Off-screen, things get even more complicated.
The Zombies 4 Chemistry That Sparked Everything
When Disney announced Freya Skye was joining the Zombies franchise, the internet basically lost its mind. She brought this fresh, pop-star energy to the role of Nova. Pairing her with Malachi Barton, a Disney veteran we’ve watched grow up in Under Wraps and Villains of Valley View, was a stroke of genius.
From the first table read, people noticed something was different. You’ve seen the BTS clips. They’re constantly laughing, sharing snacks, and lean into each other in a way that feels... well, more than just "co-worker" vibes. During the filming of Zombies 4, the rumors of Malachi Barton and Freya Skye kissing started as whispers from the set in New Zealand.
Fans were convinced that because Victor and Nova were the "it" couple of the new movie, a major romantic moment was inevitable. In the actual film, their relationship is the emotional heartbeat of the vampire storyline. While the movie leans heavily into their bond, Disney often keeps these young romances more focused on "meaningful glances" and "holding hands" rather than intense physical scenes.
Why the Rumors Won't Die
Social media is a weird place. Someone posts a blurry, five-second clip of two people standing close at a wrap party, and suddenly it's "confirmed" that they’re dating.
The speculation peaked during the Worlds Collide Tour in late 2025. If you were lucky enough to grab tickets, you saw it firsthand. Malachi and Freya performed together, and the way they looked at each other during those sets? It didn't feel like they were reading a script.
- The Social Media Teasing: Malachi often posts photos of Freya with captions that are just vague enough to keep people guessing.
- The Interview Slip-ups: In an ET interview, the two were asked about their "first impression" of each other. Freya turned bright red. Malachi just smirked. That’s the kind of stuff that fuels a thousand "shipping" accounts.
- The "Almost" Moments: There are several scenes in Zombies 4 where Victor and Nova are inches apart. Fans have dissected these frames like they're investigating a crime scene, looking for any hint of a real-life spark.
The Reality of Being a Disney Couple
We have to be real for a second. Being a "Disney couple" comes with a massive amount of pressure. We’ve seen it with Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett, or Dove Cameron and Ryan McCartan. When you're young and your entire career is tied to a specific "ship," things get messy fast.
Kinda makes you wonder if they’re keeping things low-key on purpose.
Honestly, Freya has even addressed this in a few "get ready with me" videos. She’s mentioned why she’s hesitant to date co-stars because of how parasocial the fans can get. And she’s right. People started sending hate to other cast members just for hanging out with Malachi. It’s wild how protective fans get over the idea of Malachi Barton and Freya Skye kissing being a real-life thing.
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Separating Fact from Fan Fiction
If you go on Wattpad or YouTube, you'll find hundreds of stories and "leaked" videos claiming they’ve moved in together or are secretly engaged.
Let's clear the air:
- Are they dating? Neither has confirmed it. They officially call each other "best friends."
- Was there a kiss in the movie? There is a climax to their romantic arc, but it’s handled with typical Disney Channel subtlety.
- Are they still close? Yes. Even in 2026, they are frequently spotted together at industry events and on each other's Instagram Stories.
What's Next for Fralachi?
As we move further into 2026, both stars are branching out. Freya is currently on her own solo tour, hitting cities like Toronto and Los Angeles. Malachi is busy with new projects, but they still make time to support each other. He was recently spotted in the front row at one of her shows, which—let’s be honest—is total boyfriend behavior, even if they won't admit it.
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The obsession with Malachi Barton and Freya Skye kissing probably isn't going away anytime soon. Whether it was a scripted moment for the cameras or a genuine connection that happened when the directors yelled "cut," the bond between these two is undeniable.
If you’re looking to keep up with the latest, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on their official vlogs. They tend to drop more truth there than they do in "official" PR statements. For now, we can appreciate the talent they brought to Zombies 4 and keep hoping for a Zombies 5 announcement to see where Victor and Nova go next.
To stay updated on their latest projects and potential reunions, follow their official tour schedules and check out Freya's newest music videos, where she often hides "Easter eggs" about her personal life.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the official Disney+ social media accounts for any Zombies 4 deleted scenes. Often, the more "romantic" takes that didn't make the final cut are released as promotional "never-before-seen" content months after the premiere. This is usually where the most significant "Fralachi" evidence hides. Additionally, Freya’s upcoming documentary special is rumored to touch on the "intense friendships" she formed while filming her first major movie role.