Intergenerational internet vernacular, there should be a sociology course on it. Like how some boomers use ellipses like regular periods, leaving their texts oddly ominous… Steve Martin posted a pic of him, Martin Short, and Meryl Streep on his IG. Only he blocked his face with the 🚫 emoji. What gives? The photo was from their attendance of Pictures From Home’s opening night on Broadway back in 2023. Is Steve Martin giving oblique confirmation to the rumor that Short and Streep are dating? Or could there be some other explanation? Vulture investigates.
Theory One: Steve Martin hard launching his bffs’ relationship
Ever since their off-the-chain chemistry in Only Murders in the Building season 3 (and the announcement of Streep’s separation from Don Gummer), people have been shipping Short and Streep. And there have been denials! But there have also been hand-holdings on the red carpet and dinners at Giorgio Baldi — a favorite restaurant of celebs like Rihanna and Bennifer, and a place you kind of know you’re going to get papped at. Maybe Steve is adding fuel to this fire of speculation.
Theory Two: Steve Martin likes this picture but not him in it
I know what you’re thinking: why not crop himself out if that’s the case? From the fact that the clock is still up at the top of this screenshot, we can infer that cropping is not a strong suit of Steve Martin. Shoutout to his 100% battery, btw. But if “can’t crop†were really the reason for this post, he probably wouldn’t obscure his face with an emoji that is also interfering with Streep’s forehead. Streep forehead innocent!
Theory Three: Steve Martin just doesn’t like himself
The plight of all comedians, amirite? But if Martin’s memoir, Born Standing Up, is to be believed, he’s exorcised most of those demons. And he’s taken all that time not spent hating himself and used it to pursue other passions, like the banjo. And art collecting.
Theory Four: Steve Martin is trolling us
Evidence in favor of this theory: no caption. What a little stinker! Especially when it comes to Martin Short, Steve Martin is a big fucking tease. Their mutual reads are a huge part of their two-man show, as well as most guest appearances on late night. It seems entirely possible Steve Martin did this vaguepost just to stress out his bud with yet another tabloid press cycle. Well, if that’s the case then it worked. We’re speculating over here!