Good or evil? Right or wrong? Just or unfair? These are but a few questions that our favorite cinematic superheroes will have to come up with an answer to in the upcoming third Captain America film - Civil War. I'm sure if you're reading this, you have a vague idea of the plot already - but for those who don't...
After a disaster caused by a small group of rowdy and uncontrollable superheroes, the government calls for all super soldiers, tin men and sorcerers to be officially registered into an American database, so that the world may live to be a safer place. Long story short, Iron Man agrees with this and Captain America, uh, doesn't... and they fight. A lot, actually. And the Marvel community is pretty much torn in half as friends turn on each other, siding with either Mr Stark or the rebellious Steve Rogers.
But who's going to be siding with who? What's going to be siding with what? As promised, I present to you (after a substantial amount of poring through a lotof fan speculation) the definitive list of Cap's cronies and and Stark's supporters.
Team One: Iron Man (Pro Registration)
Aside from Stark himself, who's going to be joining the USA in the hunt for official justice? Well - here are my conclusions:
War Machine
Well, Sergeant James Rhodes to be exact. As a longstanding friend of Tony's and as an already registered member of the american government I don't see that there is any way that War Machine can head anywhere else.
There is speculation that War Machine will die in the soon to be releasedAvengers: Age of Ultron, but the majority of fan hypothesizing has realized the most likely to not see the sequel's credits roll will be Maria Hill, and that is why (despite her fundamental role in the graphic novel) she will not be included in this list.
If you'd like to read up more on War Machine and Rhodey's possible future, you can check out my article on his possible upgrade in Avengers 2: Age of Ultron here:
http://moviepilot.com/posts/2015/01/25/war-machine-to-get-a-redesign-in-avengers-2-age-of-ultron-2622918?lt_source=external,manual
Bruce Banner/Hulk
That's right, I believe that (primarily) Bruce Banner will be a large part of Iron Man's squad. Despite their advertised, 'falling out', shall we say... I think it's a pretty safe bet to call Tony and Bruce good friends. It is speculated that in Age of Ultron, the Hulk will become possessed by the Scarlet Witch and attempt to kill the metal warrior - so by the time Civil War comes around, even the Hulkmay feel that he owes our favorite can opener a favor.
Recently released by FunkoPOP! toys was this collection of Age of Ultron bobble heads - labeling a grey "savage hulk." For those who don't know Banner's origins, he began as a large grey beast who was actually colored green due to a misprint at Marvel. His ability to change color was explained by Marvel by stating that he could become a variety of different monsters. Perhaps we shall see the movies explore this idea, in which case, well... read on.
The Vision & Thor
Despite being confirmed as not being J.A.R.V.I.S., I believe The Vision and Thor will be loyal to Mr Stark in Captain America's next film - for similar reasons. Not only can vision accurately predict the future, but he is an artificial intelligence designed for justice. With a mix of those talents, I believe (though not much has been spoken of his cinematic version) he will know which side to choose and why he has chosen it.
Similarly, I believe the Asgardian should-be-king shall be in favor of registration as he has been exposed to a... hmph... noble upbringing. As he has been taught order all his life, I believe he will not know its success via the happiness of his people. In the comics, a clone of his being was used to Stark's favor, and seeing as it is a main part in the story line, and that most characters from the graphic novel have not been cast or introduced yet, I feel Marvel will be squeezing every last possible drop out of their current cinematic standing.
Black Widow
This is a tough one to call - I'm expecting a lot of possible comments disagreeing with me on this. In Cap's last solo adventure, we saw the two forging a pretty close friendship (hey, she was his first kiss since 1945.) They spent the majority of the movie fighting side by side, and it shows that Ms Romanoff isn't scared to fight for what's right.
However...
She has always been an asset of the american government, like Hawkeye. I think that she will be a large part of the Civil War production due to this; she will be symbolic of the inner turmoil it causes in Earth's mightiest. Last we saw her, she had disappeared in order to wipe her slate clean...
And I think her participation in the law's bidding will confirm her as an official "good guy." We see also in Avengers Assemble that she is determined to become a decent human being (through her conversation with Loki), and maybe, just maybe - the war to end all superhero wars will be the turning point.
I do have some controversial ideas about our forward-thinking killer though - so read on...
Ant Man
The Scott Lang incarnation of the Ant-Man will be a different version to the Yellowjacket Hank Pym we see in the graphic novel. At the minute, all we have is trailer analysis to go on - but it seems fairly set that Scott's motive for fighting is keeping his daughter safe.
Personally, I don't see him following those morals in Civil War unless he sides with the government claiming to make America a safer place for all.
Team Two: Captain America (anti-registration)
So - other than our favorite patriot - who's going to be rebelling against the law?
Falcon
Well, duh! Possibly the coolest guy ever to fly (aside from Stark, obviously) is inevitably going to be siding with his long-standing (in the comics and films) friend, Steve Rogers. They both served together in the Winter Soldier, and throughout that film we saw a strong sense of 'bromance' made visible between the two. I think his role in the movie will be larger than that of his in the graphic novel - as he didn't actually do much on the pages.
Excitingly, it's also been confirmed we're going to see a newly kitted out Falcon in 2016's largest superhero event! Anthony Mackie, who plays the metal bird, spoke to Hollywood Chicago, and whilst not promising anything, he did say this:
The new Falcon suit is gonna be much better than the old Falcon suit. … You gotta rebuild.
And that, of course, means two things:
1. That's a great premise for a new article.
2. We might be seeing a more loyal-to-the-comics Sam Wilson than before.
And, in case that doesn't excite you, this is what a comic-like version of him might well look like:
Honestly, I cant wait to see Sam here fly straight back onto our screens for the second time.
Nick Fury
So, after being nearly killed by his employing company and watching his job disappear, Nick Fury is now not so tied to the law. Again, in Mr Roger's latest film we saw a friendship made between Nick & Steve. Steve is (you'll know if you've seen the Winter Soldier) one of the only men that Mr Fury trusts.
In the graphic novel, Nick Fury is in pretty much the same position we saw him left in on the screens last. That is to say, he's off the grid. I don't know what he's tied to in the upcoming Avengers film, but I don't think it will change the fact that Nick here has officially gone underground.
Also in the novel, he lends one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top secret hideouts for the rebels to make their headquarters. However loyal or not loyal to the book the film may be, I think we'll see Nick helping the hero out of of time out on this one. I personally wouldn't say he's too fond of the law after it tried to put a bullet in his chest, really.
Hawkeye
This was also a tough one to decide on. After Avengers, Hawkeye I think has become a freedom fighter. He is technically already a government asset, but will fight for the freedom of others, after Loki crawled around in his head and made him believe that freedom is "life's great lie."
So far, not many rumors have been spread about Hawkeye in thee cinematic Civil War - nor have any confirmations about his role been made. My opinion may well change after seeing Avengers: Age of Ultron, in which we know for sure he has been promised a much bigger role than previously...
Read on and you'll find out more about the reasoning as to why I've put Hawkeye on this team.
Black Panther
WHOOOO!!! Yeah - it's been officially announced (if you didn't already know) that Black Panther will be making his big screen debut on May 6, 2016 inCaptain America: Civil War.
Following the book, the Black Panther's heart always lay with Captain America - he sees Iron Man's side as ignorant and controlling. I reckon, whilst knowing little, Chadwick Boseman's character will stick to his replica in the comics, in terms of the fact that he will have strong morals.
When asked about his role, Boseman said:
We're preparing for that (Civil War) right now as well; (I'm) just sort of beginning the workout for that.
So he hasn't actually been told much about the role himself - he's really only just started the whole process, and I mean only just. He has the movie A Message for a King coming out before Cap 3, and is currently doing prep work for that.
Black Widow (well, kinda...)
C'mon! Agent Romanoff's job title itself is a spy! I reckon we'll see the aforementioned friendship between her and Stevey stand strong throughout Phase 3.
However, I don't think Black Widow will be publicly known as being part of the rebels. We (the viewers) will of course know, but I doubt that the government will. her very existence in this film (I believe) has been set up to be a large metaphor for both types of conflict the war will cause - those on the battlefield...
... and those in your head.
I think her secret involvement in Cap's doings will influence Hawkeye to join the insurgents. We have seen he possesses a fatherly type of love for her, and like with Captain America, I see Natasha and Agent Barton keeping close to each other throughout Phase 3 too.
Team 3: Neither Side (neutral)
There are a couple of people we're not going to be seeing making an appearance, or being neutral during the film. Here's who I think are gonna be sitting on the fence:
The Maximoff Twins
I don't personally believe Scarlet Witch nor Quicksilver is going to be making a decision on which side to pick. Honestly, I just don't know enough about them. A lot about their upcoming roles in the next Avengers installment is merely speculation. I think these two are still going to be pretty mentally unstable after their enslavement by an AI - and so will need some time to rest.
If I had to place bets, I would vouch for them working with Iron Man. After seeing what chaos can do, I reckon they'll want to stick to order for a while. I also feel like Iron Man will be more of a mentor to them than Cap.
Savage Hulk
I think a big scene in Civil War will be a battle in which the Hulk turns on everyone in his grey form... pretty similar to what's expected to happen in Age of Ultron. I think Marvel may want to reinforce Banner's lack of control, as it could be a very cliche but promising premise for a Phase 4 Hulk solo movie. This along with info already given, I believe, stacks up pretty nicely.
SO - now that's all done - what do you think? Have your say in the comments - or take the poll! Let me know if you think I'm wrong!
I myself am super hyped for Captain America 3 - I hope if you weren't already, this article has made you!
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