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

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.