Captain America: Civil War is set to change the landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe like no film has done before it. Taking place after the events of Age of Ultron, Captain America will lead the new Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. However, after a government system of superhero-accountability is introduced, an ideological split will divide the team. Now, thanks to the very generous Jeremy Renner, we know exactly which superheroes will be going up against each other in May 2016.
The 2 concept art photos released seemed to confirm who will be on Team Cap and who will be on Team Stark. And unsurprisingly, there were a few surprises we did not predict. This is also a SPOILER WARNING for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man, so proceed at your own risk.
Team Cap/Anti Registration/Secret Avengers
Captain America
The symbol of liberty and justice, Steve Rogers will lead the effort against superhero registration with his trusted allies. Having seen first hand the dark side of attempted control before and after being frozen in ice (Nazi Germany and SHIELD's Project Insight) and naturally distrusting Tony Stark after the Sokovia incident, this was already a no-brainer.
Falcon
He's Cap's modern day best friend, anywhere Cap goes Falcon follows. Both sharing a mutual respect with each other and allying against HYDRA in The Winter Soldier, this was another no-brainer. The post credits scene in Ant Man 100% confirmed Falcon's Civil War allegiance, showing him helping Cap complete his "missing person's case".
The Winter Soldier
We know the role of Bucky Barnes in this film is going to be considerably large. Now that Bucky is confirmed to be siding with Cap, this proves to us that in the first part of the film at least we will see Bucky fully regain his memory. The directors and screenwriters had a multiple of possibilities when it came to integrating Bucky into this story, and I am eager to see just what route they have decided to take. Like Falcon, this was never really up for debate.
Agent 13
Agent 13 or Sharon Carter, related to Cap's first love and SHIELD founder Peggy Carter, had a relatively minor role in The Winter Soldier. Confirmation that she is siding with Team Cap suggests her role will be much more significant in this film, also opening up the possibility to develop a romantic relationship with Rogers. Even if she wasn't going to be a major player in Civil War, her alliance with Steve was never going to be questioned. Let's see what Emily Vancamp can do with more screen time.
Hawkeye
This decision makes a lot of sense to me. His entire character arc in Age of Ultron centred around him leaving his duties as an Avenger to live a quiet life with his family. The possibility of a registration act threatens the secrecy of his family, and Hawkeye will not be happy with this at all and will side with his old buddy Cap.
Ant Man
Both the post credits scene of his solo film and written descriptions of the non-leaked D23 trailer confirmed that Captain America fanboy Scott Lang will side with Cap during the conflict, along with helping him release Bucky from the vice he is trapped in. Also, Ant Man constantly hinted at a rift of distrust between Lang's mentor Hank Pym and the Stark family name. I don't think Pym would advise Lang to side with Stark, causing him to team up with the First Avenger.
Team Stark/Pro Registration/Government Avengers
Iron Man
Another utter no-brainer. We've seen in multiple films that despite all of his flaws, Stark will do anything he can to safeguard humanity. Case in point; Ultron. That scenario didn't turn out very well causing incredible collateral damage around the world. After these events, Stark will ultimately side with the government, believing that registration of superheroes is the best way forward due to his own personal guilt and fear, both of which were hinted at in Age of Ultron.
War Machine
Tony Stark's best friend, much like the relationship between Cap and Falcon, Rhodey will follow Stark wherever he goes. Besides, War Machine is already government registered, so his allegiance was never in question.
Black Widow
This is by far the biggest surprise. It was pretty much confirmed during the D23 trailer whereby both her and Hawkeye are fighting each other. I find this divide between these 2 characters fascinating. Both come from similar backgrounds yet both are polar opposites ideologically when it comes to government registration and accountability. I can't quite work out what Black Widow's exact motivations are right now. She and Steve made a great team and are both now co leaders of the New Avengers. The conflict arising between her and Steve will be just as interesting as the conflict between her and Clint, in my humble opinion.
Black Panther
This is another surprise considering how everyone was thinking Black Panther would remain neutral in the conflict. Because he is a new character being introduced in this movie, I still think he will have a really important story arc which will follow up from the events of Age of Ultron. Due to the heavy association characters like Ultron and Vision have with Vibranium (his nation's most precious commodity) Black Panther naturally flows his way into this story. Everything he does is for the good of his people, and if government registration of superheroes can keep superheroes in check, he'll probably be all for it and side with Stark.
Vision
Team Cap beware, The Vision is siding with Stark. The infinity stone wielding android is by far the most powerful Avenger we've seen to date and Stark is lucky to have him on his side. As said in Age of Ultron, he is on the "side of life". He accepts that humans are doomed, yet says they're gracious in their failure. He may believe that without government intervention, another Ultron situation could arise threatening humanity again on a similar level. What will be interesting is to see how they flesh out the relationship between him and Scarlet Witch, who's allegiance is still unconfirmed.
Other characters yet to be confirmed
Scarlet Witch
After watching Age of Ultron on multiple occasions, I believe I know what team Scarlet Witch will most likely find herself on should she commit to a cause. Having been on the wrong end of Stark injustice on multiple occasions throughout her life (including the death of her parents during Sokovian bombings and the death of her twin brother Quicksilver at the hands of Ultron, who Stark created) it would make sense that she will be on Team Cap. Her relationship with Vision may turn her the other way, but I think the 2 potential lovers will end up on opposing sides ideologically should she choose a team to join.
Spiderman
Along with Black Panther, Spiderman is also set to make his MCU debut in Civil War. Because we haven't seen his character and because we've had no confirmation, it's hard to predict what side of the argument he will be on. What is clear is that 15 year old Peter Parker is the new superhero on the block, and I think Tony Stark will try and take him under his wing and use him against Cap. Therefore, I predict he will join Team Stark.
Nick Fury - we don't know if he'll be appearing.
Maria Hill - she probably will make an appearance, and could side either way.
Hulk - Ruffalo has hinted at an appearance in the film which he may make. If he does, he'll most likely side with Stark.
It is also clear that Martin Freeman's mysterious unconfirmed character is working with the government alongside General Thunderbolt Ross, meaning that they will both side with Team Stark. It's also important to note that both Frank Grillo's Crossbones and Daniel Bruhl's Baron Helmut Zemo (the new nefarious HYDRA villain who will rise during the conflict) will also be major players in a film which has a ridiculously huge ensemble cast.
However, if the Russo's take some hints off of Joss Whedon, they will be able to juggle screen time between all of these characters allowing us to see all of their motivations for which side they choose to join. Despite the fact this is a Captain America movie, we'll most likely see a balanced argument on both sides. Now all we have to do is wait, and a trailer in the meantime would be very nice indeed.
Thanks for reading,
Matt
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