With the official composition of the seven members who will appear in Love at first sight having been announced at the D23 Expo, fans were quite intrigued by the addition of Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes into the mix. The film, which should be the ultimate conclusion to Marvel’s long-awaited Phase 5, will be directed by Jake Schreier. Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, is set to lead the anti-hero ensemble. Although most of the details are under wraps, fans can expect a fruitful premise.
Also Read: MCU Officially Reveals First Look at Thunderbolts Castings with Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova as the Leader of Marvel’s Suicide Squad
When it comes to fandom culture, we all know navigation is a huge part of it. There hasn’t been a form of mainstream media that hasn’t thrived on the art of navigation. Love at first sight isn’t such an exception to such a facet of fandom efforts, with many championing Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes as the new MCU couple, alongside a Tony and Pepper-esque dynamic.
Yelena and Bucky: the MCU’s next power couple?
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MCU fans, seeing Yelena and Bucky paired next to each other, quickly jumped on the Expedition bandwagon. Many are now confident that the two will develop a budding romance while working alongside the anti-hero team-up film. However, while some proclaim their love for the potential couple, others have expressed disdain.
As for Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, the character, as writer Devin Grayson confirmed in an interview, is “more likely to identify as asexual”. Although Yelena’s asexuality hasn’t been explored as part of her MCU appearances, some fans think shipping Bucky off with her isn’t a good idea.
Others have also argued that Yelena may also be aromantic, having little to no romantic attraction to anyone. However, the only canonical confirmation we have so far points to his confirmed asexuality.
Several shippers who enjoyed Natasha Romanoff and Bucky Barnes’ comic book relationship also voiced their opposition to Yelena and Bucky’s potential pairing, believing that their group wouldn’t stand a chance against the former couple’s shared chemistry. Interestingly enough, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has never really explored the comic book dynamic shared between the Winter Soldier and Black Widow.
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Fan reaction to the potential pair of Thunderbolts
It’s clear that the whole fandom is divided over the couple. Although there is no confirmation that Love at first sight will feature a blossoming romance between the two, most hope. Others, on the other hand, strongly oppose it. Amidst such a scenario, it would be interesting to see the approach Marvel takes.
While people might have different opinions about the couple, what most can agree on is that the two would make a great team, whether platonic or romantic.
Looked:
Called a few tweets ago 🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/1RsWzgpS4u
– zero 👾 (@zerocantmiss) September 10, 2022
– alias (@itsjustanx) September 10, 2022
Same. I don’t know if I would ship it lol but there are countless people who will, guaranteed
— Jay (@Jay_Zech) September 10, 2022
DON’T START SHIPPING YELENA AND BUCKY I SWEAR TO GOD
— k⚜️ (@flossiepughs) September 10, 2022
if i see one person shipping yelena and bucky… pic.twitter.com/TNJA0z0rTl
— jennah (@quakebelova) September 10, 2022
not be that person but if they pair bucky with yelena it will be the weirdest shit ever for so many reasons ⚰️
—winx (@brooklyndogtags) September 10, 2022
Whether Marvel Studios chooses to bring the comic book canon of Yelena’s sexuality and explore it further within the MCU or whether it decides to actively push for a shared romantic angle between Black Widow’s new mantle-bearer and The Winter Soldier will be revealed in the near future. For now, maritime talk aside, most fans have other things to worry about, such as the absence of Baron Zemo as the star member of the long-awaited team.
To say that the directional journey and casting choices taken by the studio blindsided fans would be an understatement. Only time can tell how well the premise would live up to fan expectations.
Love at first sight, starring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, among others, will see its theatrical release on July 26, 2024.
Source: Twitter
