Exploring the Feasibility of a Spider-Man and Carol Danvers Romance in Captain Marvel 2

Recently, a rumor has been circulating on the internet suggesting that Marvel's upcoming film, Captain Marvel 2, may introduce a romantic subplot between Spider-Man and Carol Danvers. This article delves into the plausibility of such a storyline based on canon, character dynamics, and potential impact on the overall narrative.

The Canon and Age Gap Concerns

Many fans have expressed skepticism regarding the age gap between Peter Parker and Carol Danvers. Peter Parker, as portrayed by Tom Holland, is approximately 16-17 years old in the MCU, while Carol Danvers is well over 60. This significant age difference is a major barrier to such a romance, both from a real-world perspective and within the context of typical storytelling. Adding to the complexity is the fact that Peter is currently in a relationship with Mary Jane Watson, a character who first appeared in the 1960s Marvel comics and has been frequently portrayed as an unattainable dream for younger superheroes.

Character Relationships and Story Arcs

The current relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson is a central part of Peter's coming-of-age story in the MCU. Fans have expressed strong support for the attachment between these characters, which has developed over time. The sudden insertion of a new love interest, especially one as developed and seasoned as Carol Danvers, could disrupt this established narrative. Furthermore, such a storyline would be perceived as a detour from the main plot, potentially leading to more backlash and criticism from the fanbase.

Character Chemistry and Canon Development

While it's true that Carol Danvers and Peter Parker have a friendly, respectful, and occasionally flirtatious relationship, the development of a romantic storyline would require a significant shift in their dynamic. Fans have enjoyed the undercurrents of interest between the two characters, but a full-fledged romance could dilute the intended chemistry. Additionally, exploring such a relationship could introduce new complexities and complications that might not align with the emotional maturity of the characters or the overall arc of the MCU.

Other Possible Relationships

Given the existing romantic interests for Peter Parker, including Mary Jane Watson, one might wonder if there are other viable love interests that could be explored. For instance, Felicia Hardy, a.k.a. Black Cat, is a long-overdue character for an adaptation. Despite having a storied history in the comics, her adaptation has been delayed, largely due to logistical and financial considerations. Introducing Felicia Hardy could add a fresh dynamic to the storyline without compromising the established relationships and the subtlety of the current romantic undercurrents.

Practical Considerations for the MCU

It's worth noting that Tom Holland's contract with Marvel Studios involves commitments to 2-3 more MCU films after resolving the contractual issues with Sony. Given this, it would be unwise to "waste" a valuable opportunity by focusing on a storyline that might not resonate well with fans. Instead, ensuring that the Captain Marvel 2 script offers a compelling narrative that aligns with audience expectations and maintains the integrity of Peter Parker's character would be the best approach.

In conclusion, while the idea of a Spider-Man and Carol Danvers romance in Captain Marvel 2 is intriguing, it faces significant challenges from a narrative, character development, and audience reception standpoint. The focus should remain on maintaining the established relationships and exploring new storylines that could enhance the overall narrative without drawing attention away from the core characters and their arcs.

Until Captain Marvel 2 is released and the official storyline is revealed, it's best to approach such rumors with a healthy dose of skepticism and an open mind.