Everyone’s favourite armoured Avenger has been talking a lot lately. After the events of Iron Man 3, Robert Downey Jr has been coy about where he’ll pop up next once the dust has settled on The Avengers: Age Of Ultron. Iron Man 4 then? Nope! Instead, it looks like ol’ shellhead is going to war. And he’ll be fighting his best friends in a civil war in the next Captain America film.
According to Collider, Downey is about to sign up for Captain America 3, which will borrow elements from the legendary storyline Civil War. That’s an event comic which shook the foundations of the Marvel Universe, as it saw the personal ideologies of Captain America and Iron Man clash. Here’s the official synopsis of that comic:
Civil War follows the implementation and consequences of the Superhuman Registration Act, a legislative bill which required the mandatory registration of any person based in the United States with super powers…
The prospect of registration divided the superhuman community down the middle, with Tony Stark, the superhero Iron Man who had previously tried to halt the act, becoming the pro-registration figurehead, and Captain America leading the anti-registration group.Iron Man, with Mr. Fantastic and Henry Pym, argued that the changing political landscape meant that resisting the law was pointless, and that it is reasonable for heroes to have proper training and oversight, whereas Captain America, alongside Luke Cage and Falcon argued that heroes required secrecy in order to protect aspects of their “normal” life, such as spouses and children, and to allow them to act in whatever means necessary against threats which the ordinary emergency services couldn’t cope with.
And much like it did for the comics that were tied into this massive event, Civil War will also be shaping the cinematic side of the Marvel Universe for years and phases to come. And it makes perfect sense to go in this direction. By now, Iron Man and Captain America have established themselves to the point where the adaptation of this storyline feels natural, with the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier segueing perfectly into this conflict. Which according to Variety, will have massive ramifications to deal with:
The deal is significant for the Marvel cinematic universe considering the plot will pit Stark against Captain America’s alter-ego Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, as they feud over the Superhero Registration Act, which forces anyone with superhuman abilities to reveal their identities to the U.S. government and agree to act as a police force for the authorities.
Stark supports the program, but Rogers does not, saying it threatens civil liberties, causing sides to be taken and Rogers, among others, to go on the run to avoid arrest. The moral question and battle with his Avengers teammate essentially makes Stark a villain of sorts in “Captain America 3,” providing Downey with a meaty role he could play out into future Marvel films, including a fourth “Avengers.”
I can’t adequately explain how happy I am that this direction is being taken with the films. Chris Evans is most likely bowing out of the MCU once his contract is done, and thanks to Civil War’s consequences where (MASSIVE SPOILER DON’T READ MASSIVE SPOILER) he dies shortly afterwards, that leaves a gap for someone else to pick up his shield. Then you’ve got Downey Jr getting a chance to play a more layered role and a potential superhero beatdown.
And last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the Russo brothers will direct once again. After Captain America: The Winter Soldier, they have my vote of confidence, as well as the general moviegoing public as well who voted with their dolalrs.
Expect Captain America 3, to be out on May 6 2016.
Last Updated: October 14, 2014
Kervyn Cloete
October 14, 2014 at 09:42
Firstly, called it!
Secondly, YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES FRAKKING YES!!!!!
This also puts some serious weight behind those
recent rumours that Avengers 3 will only feature Iron Man leading a
team of new Avengers, while Cap and the rest are off doing something
else that will come to a head in a follow-up big event movie.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
October 14, 2014 at 09:58
“Secondly, YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES FRAKKING YES!!!!!”
Sentiment I very much share.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 10:43
SHOULD NOT HAVE READ THAT SPOILER!!!
🙁
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 10:59
He’s dead, Jim.
Admiral Chief 0
October 14, 2014 at 11:00
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN
Oh wait, wrong franchise
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 14, 2014 at 11:02
Doesn’t matter, mixing them up is fun 😀
Caveshen Rajman
October 15, 2014 at 13:25
Does this mean they successfully managed to secure Spider-Man from Sony?
Kervyn Cloete
October 15, 2014 at 13:41
Nope. Marvel and Sony talking is still nothing but a rumour at this point.