Captain America V Iron Man
The Marvel Cinematic Universe – as it has existed since 2008’s Iron Man – has never shied away from conflict among its heroes. This is perhaps a significant part of this new trend that we’re seeing in our superhero movies. Bringing together the Avengers in 2012 highlighted some of this tension, as Thor, Black Widow, Bruce Banner, Hawkeye, Iron Man and Captain America all eyed each other with initial suspicion. Loki’s psychic control of Hawkeye put the archer in conflict with his close friend Black Widow, while Thor and Iron Man took their beef to the forest – taking out a number of large trees in the process.
This tone continued in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as the titular hero found himself at the centre of a compromised S.H.I.E.L.D, and again, in Avengers: Age Of Ultron, when the Avengers disagreed about Iron Man’s approach to world safety. These simmering tensions will apparently boil over in Captain America: Civil War which – with seemingly more superheroes assembling than any previous Avengers movie – will see all-out warfare between opposing factions of characters.
While conflict between heroic characters has been a regular feature of modern Marvel movies, this upcoming film takes that trend to the next level, making it essentially the sole focus. Based on the comic book story arc of the same name, the premise sets the stage for each hero to take a stance – in one way or another – against their comrades-in-arms, as the conflict filters down from the two titans of the Marvel world: Captain America and Iron Man. The reason this conflict makes for fascinating viewing is the juxtaposition of these two iconic characters.
Both have dedicated themselves to saving the world, but have very different views of how to go about it. However, with this being the thirteenth movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the story will apparently give an opportunity to reflect on how these characters have changed since we first met them.
While the arrogant billionaire playboy philanthropic genius Tony Stark/Iron Man has undergone a radical change of heart – having experienced extreme vulnerability in The Avengers – Captain America began from a position of extreme vulnerability in Captain America: The First Avenger, and has become distrustful of authority since the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The two heroes have, then, essentially switched positions, with regard to official oversight of their activities.
A significant part of Captain America’s superpower is his foundation of morality, as well as his ability to lead. Iron Man, on the other hand, is somewhat new to morality, and has found his power through wealth and high intelligence. This conflict, therefore, sets the stage for Iron Man to make an epic challenge to Captain America’s position at the tip of the spear, and for their fellow superheroes to pick a side, or none, according to their respective consciences.
