Is it just me, or is romance dead at the multiplex?

(Image credit: Paramount/Disney)

"Sexuality doesn’t exist for superheroes,” Pedro Almodóvar recently told
an audience when asked for his thoughts on Marvel movies. “They are neutered.” The Pain & Glory auteur makes an interesting point: romance has become a rare thing in superhero stories. However, I would add that amour isn’t just lacking in spandex cinema but in the vast majority of blockbusters.

Let’s first look at the MCU. During Phase One, each hero had their love interest, ranging from the mundane (Jane Foster) to those deserving of a spin-off (Pepper Potts). Formulaic stuff, sure, but Peggy and Steve’s relationship transformed The First Avenger from a borderline by-the-numbers origin story into something truly heartfelt.

By the time Phase Three rolled around, the idea of superheroes being sexually active was banished. Rachel McAdams gets minimal screentime in Doctor Strange, while Black Panther’s T’Challa and Nakia are allowed no more than a mild flirtation. Captain Marvel is arguably the most ‘neutered’ of them all, with no obvious love interest. At least Avengers: Endgame finally brought Peggy and Cap together again, making for the movie’s best moment.

Worst of all, the new Star Wars movies have lacked all romance. In the original trilogy, the chemistry between Leia and Han is palpable. The pair share multiple good smooches, while The Empire Strikes Back contains one of the single best expressions of love ever seen on screen. We’ve been teased ReyLo and FinnPoe, with neither actually happening. Finn and Rose shared a kiss, yes, but not exactly a sizzling one.

Of course, we still have romance in movies, mainly in the groundbreaking stories being told in queer cinema: Call Me By Your Name, Carol, God’s Own Country and Moonlight to name a few. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that in blockbusters, because they’re becoming less and less romantic... or is it just me?

Each month our sister publication Total Film magazine argues a polarising movie opinion and gives you the opportunity to agree or disagree. Let us know what you think about this one in the comments below and read on for more.

Jack Shepherd is the former Senior Entertainment Editor of GamesRadar. Jack used to work at The Independent as a general culture writer before specializing in TV and film for the likes of GR+, Total Film, SFX, and others. You can now find Jack working as a freelance journalist and editor.