Although Captain America: Civil War will be the thirteenth entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it doesn’t mean that the anticipation of what happens next in the Universe isn’t at an all-time high. Especially given that the next entry is an adaptation of a much-loved, and slightly controversial, comic book story arc.
Set to kick of Phase 3 of the MCU in a couple of months, Civil War will pit our heroes against one another in an epic showdown. Although not much is known about the specifics of the conflict, there are still plenty of other reasons to be hyped for the film.
Here are 13 Reasons to Be Excited for Captain America: Civil War.
***Potential Spoilers Follow***
13. IT’S THE RUSSO BROTHERS FOLLOW UP TO The WINTER SOLDIER
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is, for many, a hallowed entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and with good reason. The Russo Brothers brought something different to the table with their conspiracy thriller, something that hadn’t been seen before in a superhero movie. It was dark and intriguing and cemented their place as the go-to guys for the future of the MCU. Not only that, but they also showed that they were willing to shake things up when need be, by bringing the centerpiece of the MCU, the infiltrated and corrupted S.H.I.E.L.D, to its knees.
It’s these things, and more, that have audiences clamoring to see what they’re going to bring to the table next. Especially since they have been handed the keys to the kingdom and will be leading the Avengers charge through the Infinity War. This film has a lot riding on it and should set the tone for Phase 3.
12. IT’S A HUGE COMIC BOOK STORY
Any Marvel comic book enthusiast will tell you that the Civil War storyline is a huge one. It basically pitted Marvel’s entire pantheon of superheroes against one another. While the studio isn’t able to follow the story line exactly due to rights issues with the X-Men (which are owned, for cinematic purposes, by Fox), they have managed to amass a pretty stellar lineup for each side of the conflict.
It helps that we have come to know and love these characters over the course of thirteen films, and we feel invested in the outcome. Like the comic book story arc, this film will change the MCU and its players in many ways, the least of which is the fact that someone’s going to lose this fight and there will most likely be casualties. And speaking of which…
11. WILL THEY ACTUALLY KILL CAPTAIN AMERICA?
Anyone who’s read the Civil War story line knows that it ends on a rather sad and controversial note, with Crossbones assassinating Steve Rogers. The question then becomes, is Marvel willing to shake things up in such a monumental way and kill off Captain America?
There has been a lot of speculation brewing out there, especially given that Marvel has introduced the two of the other characters that have donned the Captain America moniker over the years (Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson). With Chris Evans’ contract rapidly coming to an end, it’s easy to see why there is a chance that it could happen. While there are plenty of reasons why the studio wouldn’t go this route, there are also a lot of really good reasons why they should.
10. THE POST CREDIT’S TAG
Marvel pretty much perfected the post credit tag with Iron Man and Nick Fury’s “I’m here to talk to you about the Avengers Initiative” speech. The post credit scenes have become a staple for the studio, and audiences know that when the house lights come on, a Marvel movie isn’t actually finished.
Sometimes the tag is nothing more than a bit of fun, but sometimes it hints at bigger things to come, often setting up the next movie on the MCU slate. This time around, that film just happens to be Dr. Strange. Might we see the Sorcerer Supreme make his first film appearance? Or are we going to get another shot of Thanos moving the pieces into place for the big showdown? Or does the studio have something else entirely planned, like maybe a nod to a beloved character who has finally made his way home?
9. SPIDER-MAN
And speaking of first appearances, Civil War will also be the MCU debut of Spider-Man. After two valiant, but overall, failed attempts to bring the web-slinger to the screen in his own cinematic universe, Sony finally gave into the cries of the fandom and turned to Marvel for help. Before the ink was practically dry on the contract, speculation about when and where Spidey would make his Marvel big screen debut ran rampant.
While some thought he might be introduced in a post-credits spot Ant-Man (and in a way, he was, although it was only a passing hint at his powers), most felt the best place for him would be in Civil War. After all, he plays a large part in the comic book story arc. While not much is known about his role this time around, this will be the first time we get a glimpse of this latest Spider-Man, before his own movie hits theaters next year.
8. BUCKY SHOOTS TONY
It might have only been a 30 second TV spot, but the Superbowl ad that Marvel released prior to the big game held one quick, but powerful scene. In the scene, Bucky raises a gun and points it at Tony’s face and Tony places his hand over the barrel. Bucky pulls the trigger and the only thing that stops the bullet from hitting Tony in the face is the fact that he’s wearing an Iron Man glove on his hand. The look on Tony’s face says it all.
But Tony isn’t the only one in shock and disbelief. This scene shows that neither side in this conflict is playing and that there may be some validity to the rumor that there will be some casualties when all is said and done. The stakes in this conflict are high and neither side seems willing to compromise.
7. SCARLET WITCH AND THE VISION
If you’re a comic book reader, you know that Wanda and Vision have a rather tumultuous, romantic relationship over the years. This attraction or at least possible interest in one another was highlighted at the end of Age Of Ultron, when Wanda, having killed Ultron, is about to perish in the destruction of the city. Vision flies in to save her and they seem to share a moment.
It will be interesting to see if this story line is integrated into the MCU, as the Scarlet Witch and Vision are two of the most interesting characters to be introduced into the MCU in a while. We’ll have to see if any of this comes into play in why they each chose a different side in the conflict. Either way, the dynamics of such a relationship between two very powerful characters will be interesting to watch.
6. BLACK PANTHER
When Marvel announced that the next Captain America film would, in fact, be an adaptation of the Civil War story arc, the question became, who would take the role of Peter Parker’s Spider-Man in the film? Spidey plays a big role in the original story, but at the time, adding his character to the MCU wasn’t a possibility.
The studio decided to use a different character in the conflict, one that was hinted about in Age Of Ultron, Black Panther. T’Challa is a complete unknown in this universe, so it will be interesting to see how he manages to make his way into this conflict and why he chooses the side he does. While we probably won’t get an in-depth introduction this time around, it will be interesting because this will also basically be the first time that the studio introduces a main character to mainstream audiences before their solo film is released. How well the character is received here will play a big part in the success of his own film.
5. THE ACCORDS
When Ultron dropped Sokovia from the sky, you knew there was going to be some sort of fallout from the destruction. The Avengers were now responsible for the destruction of a minimum of two cities by then (not counting the fight in South Africa). Something was bound to give.
We’ve heard mention of the Accords in the trailer, but no real understanding of what they are exactly. The movie differs from the comics in that it doesn’t use the Superhero Registration Act to divide its heroes, but the basic consensus is that The Sokovia Accords are similar to that, if perhaps an international version. But what if they’re not? They are going to play a huge role in this film (and probably the MCU moving forward) and be one of the main points of contention between the sides. It’ll be nice to know exactly what each of the players are so for, or against in these official documents.
4. HAWKEYE AND BLACK WIDOW
The best friends were last seen apart, but each doing what they loved. Clint was back in the country with his family and Natasha was working with Cap, whipping the newest team of Avengers into shape. So what happens to make them each choose a different side in the conflict, and how is this going to alter their relationship?
Hawkeye and Black Widow have the kind of relationship that needs to happen more on the big screen, the platonic – but without sexual tension – kind of relationship. They love and respect each other and always have the others’ back. Being on opposite sides of this conflict is going to alter their relationship, in some way or another. It’s kind of hard not to when you’re shooting at one another.
3. FINDING OUT HOW AND WHY THE SIDES ARE CHOSEN
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the breakdown of the sides in the conflict. While the studio has already released some images showing the final team formations, the more interesting question to come out of this is, why does it play out this way?
Some of the choices make perfect sense, like Bucky choosing Cap and Rhodey going with Tony. But why are Black Widow and Hawkeye on opposing sides? What makes Black Panther choose Iron Man in this conflict? And most of all, who is Spider-Man going to choose when push comes to shove? The reasoning behind the decisions is going to be one of the most interesting parts of the conflict, and it might just give a better understanding of each of the characters and where their loyalty lies.
2. THE CAP AND BUCKY VS. IRONMAN FIGHT
One of the stand-out moments from the first trailer is the Winter Soldier and Captain America versus Iron Man beat down. Cap and Tony have had a bit of an interesting relationship, which kind of came to a head during the scene in Age Of Ultron when Vision was being created. Although their smackdown got stopped pretty early back then, the tensions have obviously been building.
It’ll be interesting to see the three of them go at it, no holds barred. Unlike Iron Man’s fight with The Hulk in Age Of Ultron, this one has a more personal feel to it, one that’s going to affect these characters more than just physically. Not sure there will be a clear winner in any of this.
1. HOW IT ENDS AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
While the film is being touted as a Captain America story, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to have far-reaching implications in regards to the MCU as a whole. Much like the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D in The Winter Soldier, this film basically holds the future of the universe in its hands.
One of the things that Marvel does really well is set up future movies and events, even if it’s only with a nod and a wink. With a conflict of this magnitude, there’s no way that it can’t have a lasting and far-reaching effect. It’s not going to all be sunshine and roses by the time the credits roll. How it all ends, (and whether or not there will be a new Captain America when the dust settles), and what it all means for the future is just as interesting as the story being told on the screen.
CONCLUSION
Captain America: Civil War is set to change the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a number of significant ways. There are plenty of reasons to be excited for this film and what it means for the future of the Universe. Let us know what you’re excited to see in the film in the comments.
Captain America: Civil Waropens on May 6, 2016.
