Why Fans are Pushing for Dakota Johnson’s “Materialists” Character to Choose Pedro Pascal over Chris Evans

A24’s Materialists has achieved a crossover in a rom com no one ever would’ve expected: a love triangle with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, with Dakota Johnson as the lucky bachelorette. It’s a situation one woman would dream of… yet to have to pick would be a devastation to many they also wouldn’t want to think of. However, many are opting more for Johnson’s character, Lucy, to pick Pascal’s character in the film, Randy, rather than Evans’, John. 

#TeamPedro

On TikTok and Twitter, users did not hold back about why they’re pulling for Pedro Pascal’s character (a dashing, well-heeled businessman named Randy) over Chris Evans’s character (John, the likable but less flush ex). One big reason? Cold hard cash – or as one TikTok commenter put it, “she better not pick the broke man in this economy”. This humorous bit of real-world pragmatism earned lots of likes, with another user agreeing, “Yeah we’re not romanticising the struggle anymore so hopefully Pedro”. In other words, why should Lucy (Johnson’s character) choose a financially struggling guy when she’s got a “sexy rich daddy” like Pascal’s character on the line? As one Twitter fan dramatically lamented to Lucy, “you had sexy rich daddy Pedro and yet still looked for different things??!!! what is wrong with you girl 😭😭”. Another commenter said on X succinctly declared, “imagine picking chris evans over pedro pascal, COULDN’T BE ME”

(A24)

Fans are clearly tired of the old trope where the heroine chooses love over stability no matter what. Several pointed out that Materialists gives off major throwback vibes to 2000s romances – but with a chance to fix a classic pet peeve. “My toxic trait is thinking this kind of thing with that kind of man can happen to me,” one fan joked, imagining themselves in Dakota’s shoes. Others referenced films like The Notebook and Sweet Home Alabama – movies where the lead woman famously ditched the wealthy, reliable guy for the poorer old flame. “Sweet Home Alabama did me dirty,” another viewer wrote, implying they wished Reese Witherspoon’s character had chosen Patrick Dempsey’s rich fiancé in that film. This time around, fans want a different outcome. They’re playfully campaigning for a more materialistic choice: pick the guy who’s “as rich as he is suave” 

After all, Pascal’s character appears to be not only affluent but genuinely kind in the trailer – essentially “a character who looks like Pedro Pascal and who is also rich and ... a really nice guy, [the] actual dream” for a modern rom-com hero. He’s seen in the trailer not only spending money to and fro, but having clear love and affection for Lucy, one would even say it’s a gentle kind of love. It’s a stark contrast from the stressful past Lucy has seemed to endure with her ex, John. 

(A24)

Pascal’s Irresistible Charm vs. Evans’s Chemistry

Another factor tipping the scales: fan bias and chemistry. Pedro Pascal has been the internet’s favorite “cool dad”/heartthrob for a while now – and fans are ecstatic to see him in a romantic leading role. “All I’ve ever wanted is for rom-coms to make a comeback... with Pedro Pascal tangled in a love triangle,” one excited blog writer gushed, saying they and “millions of other fans” have been begging to see Pascal play a swoon-worthy rom-com hero. In Materialists, Pascal finally gets to be the well-dressed romantic charmer fans dream of, and many are fully in love with him by default

(A24)

Chris Evans, of course, has plenty of fans too – and some viewers noted that Dakota Johnson’s on-screen chemistry with Evans looks electric. “THE WAY THEY’RE LOOKING AT EACH OTHER, OMG… JUST OH MY GOODNESS,” one fan raved about Johnson and Evans in the trailer. Indeed, early reactions praised the chemistry between Johnson and Evans’s characters, giving a bit of credence to “Team Chris” folks. However, even those mesmerized by the John/Lucy pairing often joked that practicality should win. As one fan wrote, “she better not pick the broke man… we’re not doing that anymore,” signaling that no amount of old-flame chemistry should outweigh the shiny allure of Pascal’s character. Pascal’s natural charm is so strong that fans joke he has chemistry with everyone (he could probably flirt with a houseplant and still make us blush). In the trailer, he brings a warm, witty energy – one TikTok edit highlights a scene of Pascal’s character effortlessly making Lucy laugh – and viewers commented that he “has chemistry with literally anyone.” In their eyes, Pedro Pascal is the total package: funny, sexy, sweet, and wealthy to boot. That fan adoration (some might call it a bias, others call it taste!) is pushing #TeamPedro to trend far above any support for poor Chris Evans’ side.

(A24)

What About #TeamChris?

Though Pascal clearly has the lion’s share of online support, not everyone is counting out Chris Evans’s character. A dedicated minority of fans – especially die-hard Evans stans – are proudly #TeamChris (or #TeamJohn, using his character’s name). They’ve taken to social platforms to voice confusion at all the Pedro love. “Why are y’all hating on Chris for no reason?” some wondered, defending Evans as equally worthy. Others simply plan to enjoy the eye candy on both sides. “Only watching it for Chris Evans, of course,” one fan admitted bluntly. The Evans contingent is smaller, but they are passionate. On Twitter, a few tweets with #TEAMJOHN gained traction, as fans vowed loyalty to Evans’s post-Marvel rom-com turn. They argue that his character might offer the story’s true romantic depth – the trope of the ex who “just gets her” emotionally (as hinted in the trailer). And let’s not forget the chemistry: plenty of viewers swooned seeing Johnson and Evans together, and are excited to see if that longstanding friendship translates into sparks on screen. Still, even some #TeamChris supporters jokingly concede they’re nervous. “We all know how it’s going to end and we’re going to be disappointed,” one commenter sighed, bracing for Lucy to pick John (Evans) and leave Randy (Pascal) heartbroken. It seems even Chris’s fans suspect the film might follow the classic formula, despite their hopes.

(A24)

The Verdict: Fans “Materializing” Their Hopes

With its love-triangle premise, Materialists has achieved something rare months before release: it’s sparked a full-on fandom war (albeit a friendly, meme-filled one). At the end of the day, the playful rivalry between #TeamPedro and #TeamChris has only boosted excitement for the film. Fans are exchanging flirty one-liners and even manifesting wild resolutions. As one amused observer noted, “a love triangle never looked so good.” And you can bet audiences will be cheering (or jeering) the final choice on screen.

Will Lucy follow her heart or the money – or somehow find a way to have it all? The internet can hardly wait to find out. In the meantime, the consensus online is clear: Dakota, for the love of all that is holy, pick Pedro Pascal! Or as a viral comment succinctly put it: “imagine picking anyone over Pedro… couldn’t be me.” 

It’s safe to say the hottest thing this summer won’t be due to the extreme heat… but rather due to Materialists in theaters June 13th!