The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to be cut down the middle this coming May. As fans choose sides for the upcoming Captain America: Civil War, and await the start of Phase 3, the full role of all the players is still being defined. And one of the later additions to this massive comic book throw down is Marvel’s friendly neighborhood spider.
Sony released Spider-Man for use in in the MCU last year, while retaining film rights. Ever since Tom Holland (In the Heart of the Sea) signed on as the new Peter Parker, fans have been curious as to which side the wacky wall crawler will fight for in Civil War. Many insiders and fans speculate that he’ll be duking it out with Captain America, but at the least it appears that Peter will has some mentor in the film.
Empire Magazine (via Latino Review) reports that Spider-Man “forms a relationship with one character.” In spite of the vague nature of this account, it could shed some further light on some of his rumored affiliations, such as the potential costume change rumored to occur in Civil War. Supposedly, the web slinger is introduced as a minor vigilante with a DIY look. By the end of the film, he’s rumored to have a high-tech spider suit complete with potentially Stark-engineered web-shooters. This costume change and relationship could indicate a potential team up between Spidey and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).
In the comics, Spider-Man was originally a big supporter of superhuman accountability and supported Tony Stark and the Superhero Registration Act. Later on, he switches sides, though, fighting alongside Steve Rogers towards the conclusion of the comic story arc. With Civil War co-director Joe Russo having recently teased that the film will have a “very dramatic ending that will be controversial,” Spider-Man’s role in the film could become one of intermediary, or he could tip the scales in favor of one side or the other.
Although Spider-Man’s part in Civil War is expected to be small – with Black Panther reportedly picking up the peacemaker role Spidey played in the comic books – his debut in the MCU may be pivotal to the film. However, he’s also being portrayed as a younger, less emotionally developed superhero. It’s possible that, missing his Uncle Ben, Parker will connect initially with Tony Stark’s scientific mind, seeing him as a father figure. But as an emotionally unstable teenager, it’s also conceivable the young wall-crawler will rebel against his Stark and his ideology.
At this point, though, the potential “relationship” is far from defined. It isn’t necessarily a bond with Tony Stark or a shared camaraderie with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), either. It could only be a minor plot point in the film, for that matter. But knowing Spider-Man’s importance in Marvel’s pantheon, this “relationship” could define the film and act as a catalyst for the evolution of the MCU after Civil War.
NEXT: Why Does Spider-Man Join the ‘Civil War’?
Captain America: Civil War will release on May 6, 2016, followed by Doctor Strange – November 4, 2016; Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man – July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; The Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; The Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; Inhumans – July 12, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on May 1, July 10 and November 6, 2020.
