Is Marlin and Dory Likely to Have a Romantic Relationship After Finding Nemo?

The question of whether Marlin and Dory might develop a romantic relationship has long been a point of interest for fans of the Pixar animation Finding Nemo.

Implied Relationship in the Movie

Within the movie, there are instances that might lead viewers to believe that Marlin and Dory have a romantic connection. However, it is important to consider the factual basis of such a relationship in the real world.

Species Barrier and Reality

Firstly, it is extremely unlikely that Marlin and Dory would form a romantic relationship due to their different species. Not only do they belong to distinct species, but they are also from entirely different zoological families. In the real world, members of different species, even if they live in close proximity, do not typically engage in romantic or sexual relationships.

Marlin's Perspective

From Marlin's point of view, Dory is more of a daughter or a surrogate daughter than a romantic partner. The writers of Finding Nemo intended for Dory to be portrayed as a childlike character to help Marlin cope with the absence of his partner.

Marlin sees Dory as someone who would require his parental care, much like how Gill served as a surrogate father to Nemo in his absence. This explains Marlin's protective and nurturing behavior towards Dory. Additionally, Marlin's projection of Dory as a lesbian character may further reinforce the idea of a supportive, rather than romantic, relationship.

Evidence from Finding Dory

Further evidence from the sequel Finding Dory supports the argument that Marlin and Dory are more like family members than romantic partners. In a crucial scene near the end of the film, Dory meets her parents. During this time, she forgets about Marlin and Nemo, indicating a focus on her family heritage.

When Dory recovers her memory and decides to find Marlin and Nemo again, she says, 'I have to find them at any cost' and swims off towards the quarantine area. Her parents try to stop her, emphasizing that their relationship is more familial in nature. Dory's statement that they are more than friends but not friends suggests a deep familial bond, further reinforcing the lack of romantic involvement.

Conclusion

In summary, based on both the fictional context of Finding Nemo and the real-world implications, it is highly unlikely that Marlin and Dory would develop a romantic relationship. The nature of their interactions and the evidence presented in Finding Dory clearly indicate that they are more like family than romantic partners.

Thank you for reading. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask. Happy exploring!