The Future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe:
“Captain America: Civil War”
By Jaime Gonzalo

Captain America: Civil War has just come out and it’s safe to say that it didn’t disappoint. As the first movie to come out for Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it definitely paved the way for more intense and comprehensive Marvel movies to come—especially with the arrival of two new characters: Black Panther and Spiderman. The film was more of an Avengers installment than last year’s actual movie. With more character stories intertwining, it’s only a matter of time until everything meshes into one awesome hodgepodge. Here are 8 things you can count on taking away from Captain America: Civil War.

8. Nobody dies… yet.

From the trailer it looked like War Machine was going to be done and dusted but apparently he lives, although incapacitated. In the comics, Civil War ends with the assassination of Captain America but he makes one last appearance in this movie, leading us to believe that either MCU is deviating from the comics or just stretching the story. Either way, whatever their plan was, the movie still came out better than expected.

7. Black Panther is very promising.

Black Panther was a badass in Civil War. He was a quiet and mysterious character at the start but quickly made his presence felt. T’Challa is the son of the King of Wakanda who was just recently killed in a terrorist attack. He immediately blames Bucky Barnes for the killing but Captain America intervenes, believing that his friend was not capable of such ruthless mayhem.

This leads Black Panther to join the side of Iron-Man in the fight. In the end, Black Panther comes to terms with his loss and eventually helps Bucky and Captain America in Wakanda. Here’s to learning more about Black Panther in his upcoming movie!

6. This might be the best Spiderman ever

Finally, we are all going to be treated to an Spiderman actually coming out of the MCU. Tom Holland finally gives Spidey justice–already better than Toby McGuire and Andrew Garfield combined. His quirky comedic style together with his youthful appearance gives us the best adaptation of the comic character yet. He brilliantly portrays Peter Parker and gives us all a sneak peak of the awesomeness that we can expect from his feature length movie.

5. Bucky isn’t the bad guy

We now know that there are numerous Winter Soldiers that were programmed together with Bucky. Bucky wasn’t actually committing all those crimes himself; he was being controlled by a special chant that made him “ready to comply.” Bucky loses his arm in the end but comes to terms with his reality and makes amends with Captain America.

4. War Machine’s future as an Avenger looks unlikely

War Machine crashes to the ground and it appears that his spine is permanently damaged. By the end of the movie, he is seen walking but only with the aid of one of Stark’s machines. He seems at peace with his situation and due to the number of missions he has flown, he believes that he has fulfilled his duty as an Avenger.

Tony doesn’t seem content with this though so we may see more of War Machine in the future.

3. Team Captain America is the underdog

If you look at Captain America’s side, the only really strong ally he has is Scarlet Witch–who herself struggles to control her powers. Together with the non-powered Hawkeye and Falcon, as well as Ant-Man (who’s pretty cool but just not that threatening), Cap only has himself and Bucky to rely on.

Team Iron-Man, on the other hand, boasts of Black-Widow, Spiderman, Black Panther, War Machine,and the mighty Vision. It’s lopsided in terms on which team is more powerful, although Marvel made it seem pretty equal–perhaps because the heroes were holding back.

2. Ant-Man, Black Panther and Spiderman steal the show

While the movie was supposed to center on Cap and Iron-Man’s political differences, the more comedic characters stole the show. Iron-Man wasn’t as funny as in his previous movies as he was very conflicted during the events of the war. In steps the ever-lovable Ant-Man, who added just the right amount of comedy without making it cheesy. Spiderman also seems more like the comedic Spiderman we all know and love from the comic books. Black Panther is just plain cool and it’s awesome that the MCU is going to dedicate a whole movie to him.

1. Civil War solidifies Captain America as the best trilogy to come out of the MCU

The Captain America Trilogy definitely brought the best out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the history of Captain America to Winter Soldier, and now Civil War–Captain America comprehensively weaves together the stories of our favorite Marvel characters. Civil War was arguably a better Avengers movie than Age of Ultron, which already says a lot. The future of the MCU looks very bright.

Catch Captain America: Civil War in theatres across the country! Let us know what you think in the comments below!