DAYSPRING DISCUSSIONS: MCU's Civil War: Drawing the Battle Lines

Last week Marvel Studios invited quite a few members of the press to a secret announcement. Many speculated what it could be; from the casting of Dr. Strange to Spider-Man joining the MCU(Marvel Cinematic Universe). President of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, surprised everyone when he presented the studios films for the next five years that included Dr. Strange, Captain Marvel, two more Avengers films, and a Black Panther film starring Chad Boseman from 42 and Get On Up. One of the bigger announcements came as little surprise given recent rumors, but a giant delight, as Feige read the title of the next Captain America film; Captain America: Civil War.

Based on the 2006 mini series, we'll see Captain America and Iron Man face-off against each other on opposite sides of the Superhero Registration Act. Feige says that MCU's Civil War will be more about who the heroes report to rather than their identities since this world knows who Steve Rogers and Bruce Banner are. Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans appeared on stage with Boseman to sell the upcoming rivalry. This leads some to believe that Black Panther may play a key role in Civil War. Perhaps a Switzerland type who chooses to stay neutral?

Missing however from the original Civil War story line will be Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and may other heroes Marvel Studios does not have the rights too, or have yet to introduce. But both Cap and Iron Man still need soldiers to support them. So given the current Avengers/MCU characters I've got my team predictions.

TEAM STARK: Iron Man, Hawkeye, Thor, War Machine, Ant-Man, and Maria Hill

In the comic book mini series Tony gets the inside scoop before the Act goes into effect and tries to soften the fallout. Stark feels that super beings should be trained properly and report to someone. His team would be a posse that is used to following orders. War Machine and Maria Hill have ties to Tony so I'm sure they've got his back. Meanwhile, Thor is a demi-god, and knows how power can be abused. Therefore I feel like he'd side with Stark on supervising those who have power.

Not much is known about how Ant-Man will fit into the MCU, but given he sided with Tony in the comics I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he'd be on Team Iron Man when the battle lines are drawn.

TEAM ROGERS: Captain America, Black Widow, Hulk, Falcon, Nick Fury, and Agent 13

I was on Team Captain America while reading the comics so I'm a bit bias; but I like this team. Each person on Cap's team has been burned by the government before so they'd be a bit suspicious of the Superhero Registration Act. Natasha really started to believe and trust in Steve in their last film, which included their team-up with Falcon. Nick Fury also got burned by his friend and boss so he's all about questioning "the man" now. And Agent 13? Well, anyone who knows Sharon's story knows her chips wouldn't fall anywhere else.

The Hulk was probably the hardest to choose a side for. He and Tony are science buddies so I can see that bond. However, Bruce knows what it's like having his government hunt and try to contain him. I think he'd be against being put in a "cage". I also think these teams give for some great match-ups.

Iron Man vs Captain America(leader vs leader)