There are countless iconic and beloved characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, some of whom feature in some of the franchise’s most popular romantic relationships. There are several power couples in the MCU, such as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, and Scarlet Witch and Vision, as well as other pairings who are perfect for each other - but haven’t gotten together yet.
Many characters in the MCU share undeniable chemistry that has led fans to speculate about potential romance. For many reasons, these pairings remain platonic currently in the MCU, though future films could change that. Here are ten couples from the MCU who would make a lot of sense but haven’t gotten together… yet.
Carol Danvers & Valkyrie
Valkyrie has been confirmed as bisexual, making her one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s openly LGBTQ characters. Fans have been vocal about wanting a female love interest for the new Queen of Asgaard and actors Brie Larson and Tessa Thompson have added their support for a potential Captain Marvel and Valkyrie love story in the future.
Captain Marvel and Valkyrie teamed up in Avengers: Endgame and featured in a fan-pleasing scene that saw the female heroes of the MCU devastate Thanos’ army. The two characters have a lot in common and a possible romance could still happen in the future.
Steve Rogers & Natasha Romanoff
Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff share one of the most touching friendships in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The supersoldier and the spy first met in The Avengers and defended New York from Loki and the Chitauri, before embarking on more missions together in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Although Captain America and Black Widow were just friends, many fans interpreted their relationship as having romantic undertones. Steve and Natasha shared a unique rapport and understood each other more personally than the other Avengers and a love story would have been believable.
Thanos & Hela
Thanos and Hela were devastating villains in their own right and, together, would be unstoppable. Hela’s conquest led to the destruction of Asgaard in Thor: Ragnarok and Thanos wiped out half of the population with the Infinity Stones in Avengers: Infinity War.
There is some evidence in the comic books that supports this relationship. In the comics, Thanos attempts to woo Lady Death, a character who shares several similarities with Hela.
Clint Barton & Natasha Romanoff
Another one of Natasha Romanoff’s most heartfelt friendships in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is her relationship with fellow former SHIELD agent Clint Barton aka Hawkeye. In The Avengers, Natasha fights to break Loki’s control over Clint and the two share an emotional goodbye on Vormir in Endgame before Black Widow sacrifices her life for the Soul Stone.
Many fans speculated that Clint and Natasha were romantically involved after The Avengers as the two share a romance in the comics. However, the theory was disproved in Age Of Ultron with the introduction of Hawkeye’s family.
Steve Rogers & Bucky Barnes
One of the most popular fanfiction pairings in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the relationship between Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes which many fans have dubbed ‘Stucky.’ Steve and Bucky were best friends who fought beside each other during World War II before Bucky was captured and brainwashed by Hydra.
Steve and Bucky meet again in The Winter Soldier. A brainwashed Bucky attempts to kill Captain America but is instead saved by Steve who encourages him to remember his former life.
Peter Parker & Shuri
Peter Parker and Shuri are two characters in the MCU who, so far, haven’t met or interacted at all. Despite this, they share several similarities that include their young age, superior intelligence, and dedication to protecting their people.
If Spider-Man and Shuri ever meet in a future film then their similarities could draw them to each other. Both characters are young, smart and determined and would make an impressive power couple.
Bucky Barnes & Natasha Romanoff
Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanoff have been romantically involved in the comic books and the foundation for a romantic angle in the MCU has been laid. During their confrontation in Captain America: Civil War, Natasha remarks that the Winter Soldier “could at least recognize” her, indicating their shared history in the KGB.
The Winter Soldier’s relationship with Black Widow hasn’t been expanded upon in the MCU yet. However, with Natasha’s solo film debuting in 2020, a cameo appearance from Bucky Barnes that gives their relationship closure could still happen.
Thor & Valkyrie
Thor’s long-time love interest Jane Foster was missing from Thor: Ragnarok. Instead, the God of Thunder teamed up with the Incredible Hulk and fellow Asgardian warrior Valkyrie to escape Sakaar and defeat his evil sister Hela.
Thor and Valkyrie’s friendship was a comedic bromance that could have been interpreted romantically. Thor gives up his rule to Valkyrie in Endgame, making her the current Queen of New Asgard.
Yondu & Nebula
Yondu and Nebula are two characters who are very different people, yet they still shared a spark of chemistry during their interactions in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. II. After Nebula reconciles with Gamora, she wires her cybernetic arm to the ship and endures agonizing pain whilst powering the ship’s weapons, which impresses Yondu.
This a brief moment in the film but still highlights Yondu’s respect for Nebula. Yondu meets a tearful demise at the end of the film, though if he had survived then a potential romance with the adopted daughter of Thanos could have happened.
Thor & Sif
Thor shared a great deal of chemistry with his friend and comrade Lady Sif in Thor and Thor: The Dark World. It was clear that Sif had a soft spot for the God of Thunder and Odin blesses their potential union whilst urging his son to forget about Jane Foster.
Thor and Sif were powerful forces who fought side by side on the battlefield. Sif understood Thor more than Jane did and he cared for and respected her greatly. Lady Sif was absent from Thor: Ragnarok but her character could still reappear in a future MCU installment.
