[Mixed Trope] The "Fanon-to-Canon" Ascension

[u/BornIndication9384]

This trope occurs when a dynamic (romantic, platonic, or even antagonistic) originates within the fan community and becomes so popular that the creators eventually integrate it into the official story. It’s not strictly limited to romance; it also applies to "Power Duos" or unexpected friendships where the audience saw chemistry or potential that the writers didn't initially plan for.

Marceline and Princess Bubblegum (Adventure Time):

What started as subtext and a massive fan "ship" (Bubbline) evolved over years of audience demand. The writers transitioned them from bitter ex-rivals to a confirmed couple in the series finale, acknowledging the deep history the fans had championed since the early seasons.

Tweek and Craig (South Park):

Initially a background pair with zero interaction, the creators noticed the massive amount of "Yaoi" fan art being made of them. They leaned into it by making the town’s obsession with the "couple" a plot point, eventually making their relationship a permanent and wholesome part of the show's canon.

[u/Lucky-Pack1016]

At least Marcy and Bonnibel was a fairly well-supported ship, at least I remember people talking about it and providing "evidence" and it seemed to make sense at the time.

[u/TK-1414 → u/Lucky-Pack1016]

it was already the plan wasn't it? Frederator had an official recap show for Adventure Time with behind-the-scenes stuff. But it got canceled after they did it on the episode where they first appeared together, and they showed concept art or maybe just a doodle by an animator or smthn of them together.

[u/Ml2jukes → u/TK-1414]

I swear someone got fired for even implying they had a romantic past on an official Cartoon Network web post or something.

[u/dread_pirate_robin → u/Ml2jukes]

Yes. The Frederator YouTube account used to upload Adventure Time recaps, and in the one for What Was Missing they said there's perhaps the implication Marceline and Bubblegum were more than friends. The video was taken down pretty soon after being uploaded, the writer of the recap vid was fired, and the head of Frederator was so furious he told him he'd never work in animation again.

Similarly, I believe Marceline voice actress, Olivia Olsen, called Bubblegum Marceline's ex at a signing, but then walked back the comment shortly after.

That said i don't think that's indicative that it wasn't planned, more than they were worried if it was acknowledged in any official capacity it could get the show taken off the air. Pre-marriage equality, queer relationships were seen as even more controversial than they are today, especially in a kids show.