In Thor: Love and Thunder, Thor and Jane Foster get a second chance at being a truly memorable MCU couple. However, while there are some established romances in the MCU universe, there are also some terrific couple ideas that fans have come up with all on their own.
Ranker has highlighted some of the most popular non-canon couples in the MCU that fans have been rooting for. In some cases, these characters have shown great chemistry together without any romance being explored. In other cases, they have barely interacted yet feel like they would make for a great match. Though they are not recognized within the MCU, fans truly get behind these couples.
Peter Parker And Shuri
As an example of how creative the imagination of fans can be, many see a lot of potential between Peter Parker and Shuri as a couple despite the fact that these characters have never officially met in the movies.
Of course, despite the lack of interaction between them, it is not hard to see why these two would hit it off. They are both young geniuses who get very excited by their scientific pursuits. They also have a goofy sense of humor that would likely entertain each other. With Shuri likely stepping into a more central role, there may still be time for them to meet.
Tony Stark And Bruce Banner
The so-called "Science Bros" are one of the first unofficial couples that fans of the MCU really got behind. Tony Stark and Bruce Banner first met in The Avengers, and while many of the superhero egos clashed in that movie, these two instantly hit it off.
As superheroes, Iron Man and Hulk have little in common. But as scientists, Tony and Bruce feel like a perfect match. They seem to finish each other's thoughts and complement each other's brilliance, even to the point of creating a killer robot together.
Natasha Romanoff And Maria Hill
As two prominent SHIELD agents, it is very possible that Natasha Romanoff and Maria Hill have shared a long history together even if fans don't see them interact much together. However, their similar personalities are very clear.
They are both very professional and badass women who often seemed annoyed by the immaturity of the male heroes around them. It would have been nice to see these two get together and go off on their own spy adventures.
Natasha Romanoff And Bucky Barnes
Another romance for Natasha that fans were hoping for was with Bucky Barnes. These two also didn't share much time together in the movies apart from fighting a few times when Bucky was under the Winter Soldier brainwashing. However, the characters do share a romance in the Marvel comics.
Natasha and Bucky would also find a lot in common and would understand each other's tragic past better than most people. They were both used as weapons by evil people against their will and struggle with the guilt of that. Perhaps together, they could have helped each other heal.
Steve Rogers And Tony Stark
Steve Rogers and Tony Stark shared a very complicated relationship throughout the MCU. They butted heads almost immediately, gained a mutual respect for each other, and then had a big falling out before reuniting to save the universe.
Their approach to being heroes is very different which causes some friction, but it is hard to deny that they share a strong connection. As the two main figures at the center of the MCU for many years, they would have been the ultimate power couple.
Clint Barton And Natasha Romanoff
The Avengers established that Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff are very close and many fans assumed it meant there was a romance there. However, it was eventually revealed that Clint is married with kids and Natasha is simply his best friend.
Making it is platonic relationship was quite charming and very effective for their journey together. But given the chemistry Clint and Natasha share, it is understandable that fans had wished there was something more between them.
Tony Stark And Stephen Strange
The MCU has always had a lot of fun bringing these big heroes together and having them not get along. This was repeated with the dynamic between Tony Stark and Stephen Strange in Avengers: Infinity War.
Interestingly, the reason for these two not getting along seems to simply be that they are so similar. They are both arrogant men who think they always have the solution. While they would likely frustrate each other a lot, they would also make for a good pair, if only for their matching facial hair.
Drax And Mantis
While the Guardians of the Galaxy form a larger dysfunctional family, Drax and Mantis have a connection apart from the rest of the team. They can both be rather oblivious at times which makes their interactions together quite hilarious.
There is a funny running joke about Drax being extremely blunt about not finding Mantis attractive at all, so they might not make for the best of couples. However, it seems that the relationship develops more into a father and daughter bond which is more charming.
Steve Rogers And Natasha Romanoff
After being brought into the 21st century, Steve Rogers is a man out of time. Though he finds a team in the Avengers, it is Natasha who really helps him deal with this new world. Captain America: The Winter Soldier and shows that they make such great partners.
After sharing a kiss in that movie, many fans felt these two belonged together. While that didn't end up being the case, they remained loyal friends who would turn to each other in their darkest moments.
Steve Rogers And Bucky Barnes
While Natasha helped Steve adjust to his new life, there was only one person who really understood what he was dealing with. Steve and Bucky had been friends for decades and went through so much before they became super soldiers.
Their relationship is tragic at times with supposed deaths and finding each other on opposite sides of a fight. But as they are continuously drawn to each other, it is always clear there is a real love there. While the movies insisted it was a friendship, fans seemed to feel there was something else there.
