Moviefone logo
Trending
'Wicked: For Good' Trailer
'Zootopia 2' Teaser Trailer
'Superman' Trailer
'Ironheart' Trailer
Buy TicketsHighlightsNew MoviesTV ShowsStreamingMovie ChartsVideosWhat to WatchIn TheatersMovie TheatersComing SoonMovie ReviewsMoviefone TVMade In HollywoodNewsCelebritiesNetflixPrime Video
The SubstanceThe SubstanceConclaveConclaveThe AccountantThe AccountantA Real PainA Real PainFlowFlowZero DayZero DayThe White LotusThe White LotusParadiseParadiseSeveranceSeveranceYellowjacketsYellowjackets
  1. News

5 Things You Need to Know Before Seeing 'Captain America: Civil War'

Moviefone
April 29, 2016 - 1 min read

Summer officially kicks off with Iron Man and Cap. “Captain America: Civil War” promises to be one of the biggest Marvel movies yet, with a cast that includes most of the Avengers and even several new heroes, like Black Panther and Spider-Man. As the third Captain America movie and the 11th Marvel Studios movie overall, there’s a lot of continuity leading into “Civil War.” That’s why we’re breaking down the five essential things you need to know to fully enjoy Marvel’s latest superhero romp.

1. It’s Based on a Major Comic Storyline

All of the Marvel Studios films have drawn from the comic book source material to some degree or another, but this one is based on Mark MIllar and Steve McNiven’s 2006 mini-series. As in the comic, the movie’s conflict begins when an accident causes the deaths of innocent civilians and the issue of superhero accountability becomes paramount. In the aftermath of this disaster and others like it, (the Chitauri invasion, the Battle of Sokovia), the Avengers will be forced to submit to government oversight. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are divided down the middle in the clash between freedom and security. And assuming the movie follows the example of the comic, don’t expect these wounds to heal by the time the end credits roll. There’s a reason Marvel is shifting focus to newer superhero franchises after this film.

2. Heroes Are Fighting Heroes

“Civil War” could almost be considered “Avengers 2.5” given how many familiar faces are appearing. Cap (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) find themselves on opposite sides of the battle over the Sokovia Accords (aka the Superhuman Registration Act) with their fellow Avengers flocking to one side or another. Every surviving Avenger from the previous films will appear, with the exception of Thor and Hulk. As we’ll see in “Thor: Ragnarok” next year, those two have their own problems to deal with.

3. It’s Still a Captain America Movie

Despite the large ensemble, “Civil War” is still a Captain America sequel. Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) are continuing their quest to track down Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and redeem him after decades of serving as (naturally) a brainwashed assassin. The former Winter Soldier will find himself the most wanted man in the world after he’s framed for a terrorist attack, and Cap will go to any lengths to defend Bucky. Even if that means becoming a wanted fugitive himself. 

4. There’s an Actual Villain

While Cap and his renegade team (which will also include The Falcon, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and Ant-Man) will have their hands full with Iron Man’s group, there is a real villain pulling the strings in this superhuman conflict. The mysterious Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl) uses the war between heroes to his own advantage -- lightning some sparks to set it off, actually. However, don’t expect this version of Zemo to be much like the masked Hydra leader from the comics. Also look for the elite mercenary Crossbones (Frank Grillo) to return and resume his rivalry with Cap. 

5. More Heroes Make Their MCU Debuts

As if it weren’t enough that most of the Avengers are returning, “Civil War” will add several new players to the game board. Chadwick Boseman (pictured) debuts as T’Challa/Black Panther, an African monarch who finds himself drawn into the hunt for Bucky. Also look for Tom Holland's Spider-Man to show up for the first time in the MCU -- which is a HUGE deal. Both heroes will initially join forces with Iron Man, but we wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of them switch sides at some point during the conflict. 

marvelchris evans
Moviefone
Article by Moviefone
Moviefone Writers

Related News

Mark Ruffalo’s The Hulk Joins New ‘Spider-Man’ Movie
Mark Ruffalo’s The Hulk Joins New ‘Spider-Man’ Movie
Watch the Marvel Movies in Story Order
Watch the Marvel Movies in Story Order
All Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies Ranked
All Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies Ranked
TV Review: ‘Eyes of Wakanda’
TV Review: ‘Eyes of Wakanda’
‘Fantastic Four' Starts With Strong Steps at the Box Office
‘Fantastic Four' Starts With Strong Steps at the Box Office
Kevin Feige Talks ‘Blade’ Delays, the MCU and More
Kevin Feige Talks ‘Blade’ Delays, the MCU and More

More News on Moviefone

Aubrey Plaza to Play Infamous Madam Heidi Fleiss
Aubrey Plaza to Play Infamous Madam Heidi Fleiss
Noah Centineo Starring in ‘John Rambo’
Noah Centineo Starring in ‘John Rambo’
Max Minghella in Talks for DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’
Max Minghella in Talks for DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’
Best Liam Neeson Movies of All Time Ranked
Best Liam Neeson Movies of All Time Ranked
'Jurassic World Rebirth' Interview: Director Gareth Edwards
'Jurassic World Rebirth' Interview: Director Gareth Edwards
Netflix Plans ‘T.J. Hooker’ Movie Adaptation
Netflix Plans ‘T.J. Hooker’ Movie Adaptation
  • New Movies
  • Movies In Theaters
  • Movies Coming Soon
  • Movies Streaming Now
  • TV Shows
  • Best Movies
  • Best TV Shows

Follow Moviefone

FacebookXInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTikTokRSS

Movie and TV Reviews

Top Movies

The Substance poster
The Substance
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?
71
Conclave poster
Conclave
What happens behind these walls will change everything.
72
The Accountant poster
The Accountant
Calculate your choices.
71

Top Series

Zero Day poster
Zero Day
Truth has been weaponized.
69
The White Lotus poster
The White Lotus
Same luxury. New reservations.
76
Paradise poster
Paradise
Read between the lies.
76

Latest Trailers

'The Paper' Trailer2:06'The Paper' Trailer
'Traumatika' Trailer2:08'Traumatika' Trailer
'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' Trailer2:14'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' Trailer
'HIM' Trailer2:40'HIM' Trailer
'The Cut' Trailer1:57'The Cut' Trailer
Moviefone logo

Join our Newsletter

Movies
Best Movies to WatchTop Movies Right NowWhat to Watch TodayMovies in Theaters This WeekUpcoming Movie Releases2025 Movie Release CalendarBrowse Movies by Keywords
TV Shows
Best TV Shows to BingeTop TV Shows Right NowNew TV Shows This WeekTrending TV ShowsTV Shows by KeywordsLatest TV Show TrailersExclusive TV Show Clips
Streaming
Streaming Now & UpcomingWhat's New on NetflixTop Picks on Prime VideoNew Releases on Disney+Popular Movies on HuluWhat to Watch on MaxStreaming Now on Apple TV+
Showtimes
Showtimes & TicketsMovie Showtimes in LAMovie Showtimes in DallasMovie Showtimes in New YorkAll U.S. Movie TheatersAMC Theatres ListingsCinemark Theatres Listings
Videos
Movie & TV Show VideosLatest Movie TrailersMoviefone TV EpisodesMade in Hollywood InterviewsExclusive Movie ClipsCelebrity InterviewsMade In Hollywood Teen
Movie GenresSummer MoviesHoliday MoviesAnimation MoviesThriller MoviesRomance MoviesComedy Movies
TV GenresTalk TV ShowsWestern TV ShowsCrime TV ShowsRomance TV ShowsNews TV ShowsAnimation TV Shows
NewsMovie NewsTV NewsMovie PhotosBehind the ScenesBest Movies EverMarvel Cinematic Universe
CelebritiesZoe SaldañaJason MomoaChris EvansHenry CavillBrie LarsonTom Holland
Movie ReviewsWickedRed OneGladiator IIWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlHereticWe Live in Time
FacebookXInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTikTokRSS
AboutContact UsSitemapTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 Moviefone Media LLC
Asset 1This product uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb.