Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson's romance is 'genuine' despite publicity stunt allegations: report

However, some outlets have reported that the pair's apparent romantic connection was a calculated strategy to drum up interest in the action-comedy and drive ticket sales. 

"Their relationship isn't just for show," another source told the outlet. "They have a real connection. There's no incentive for either of them to stage something like this."

"There was instant chemistry, but it never developed into an intimate relationship," the source said. 

Sources told Page Six that close friends of Anderson and Neeson "were rooting for them." However, the outlet claimed that their relationship "never came to be anything more," though their friendship is "genuine."

"They will always be friends and have a connection," the insiders said. 

During a joint appearance on "Today" in July, Anderson and Neeson were seen with their arms around each other in what appeared to be a passionate embrace. The two shared a kiss before turning to the camera and looking surprised. 

However, Anderson and Neeson, who have never publicly addressed the romance rumors, playfully deflected when host Craig Melvin asked if they were dating in real life. 

The pair did acknowledge that there was something real between them - at least on-screen. 

"I had never met Pamela before," Neeson explained. "We met on set. And we discovered we had a lovely, budding chemistry - as two actors."

The former Playboy model agreed, nodding.

Neeson hinted that whatever was happening between them wasn't being forced. 

"It's like, 'Oh, this is nice. Let's not mold this. Let's just let it breathe.' And that's what we did."

"It's a budding romance in the early stages. It's sincere, and it's clear they're smitten with each other," the insider claimed, adding that Neeson and Anderson are "enjoying each other's company."

The co-stars made it a family affair at the film's premiere in New York July 28 as they posed on the red carpet with their children. Anderson was accompanied by sons Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, whom she shares with ex-husband Tommy Lee, while Neeson was joined by Micheál, 30, and Daniel, 28, his children with his late wife Natasha Richardson.