Top 6 Reasons Why Captain America: Civil War Should Be Top of Your Watchlist For 2016

29th April (if you’re from the UK). May 6th (if you’re from the US).

Mark your calendar now and clear your schedule, if you haven’t already, because we are surely about to see one of the finest chapters in the ever-expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. There lies no doubt that the comic book story arc “Civil War” holds a place in the heart of every Marvel fan, as it had one of the most emotionally impactful storylines building up to an unforgettable climax. We found our allegiances tested and our loyalties thrown into question.

In fact, just to prove my point, I’ll be giving you my top 6 reasons as to why you should be as excited as I am for Captain America: Civil War.

6. The Big Picture

How will this film follow up from the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron?! What long-term effects will the chaos bring to future films in the MCU?! Will we see reference to any more Infinity Stones?! Will the relationship between characters be damaged beyond repair?! What is going to happen in the post-credits scene?!

Looking at the previous films in the MCU, we can guarantee that not only will we find out the answers to many of these questions, but we will also be burdened with a plethora of new ones. The MCU is riddled with Easter eggs that hint at future events in the wider universe, contextualising the events, and this film is sure to be no exception.

5. Hero vs Hero

We can all agree some of the best moments in the MCU so far have been the fights between the heroes: Thor vs Iron Man and Captain America (The Avengers); Falcon vs Ant-Man (Ant-Man) and who can forget Hulk vs Hulkbuster (Avengers: Age of Ultron).

What made these fights stand out was the fact that there was no bad guy for us to root against. We found ourselves sympathising with both sides, thrust into an emotional whirlpool rife with awe and amazement. With such a large line-up of heroes, this film will give us an opportunity as fans to see some of our dream hero vs hero match-ups on the big screen.

4. The Russo Brothers

Anthony Russo and Joseph Russo are a directing duo who also happen to be brothers. But what makes them worth a mention on this list I hear you ask?

Well, not only did the brothers direct Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which was filled with tension and flawlessly choreographed fight scenes, but they also directed the post-credits scene in Ant-Man, which climatically revealed the Wasp costume to an audience that was waiting for it throughout the whole movie. As Civil War is due to (1) introduce new characters, (2) have a gripping edge-of-your-seat plot and (3) include some great fight scenes between characters with unique fighting styles, we can pretty much guarantee these are all going to be directed to perfection with the Russo brothers at the helm.

The brothers are also set to direct Avengers: Infinity War Part I and Part II, due for release in 2018 and 2019 respectively, which means Civil War will serve as a testing ground for the brothers to show how well they are able to deal with larger ensemble casts.

3. Black Panther

Black Panther has been a long-time fan favourite since his comic debut in Fantastic Four in July 1966, and for good reason. He’s an extremely agile and skilled martial artists, not to mention his super-speed, enhanced reflexes and genius-level intellect.

Civil War sets up to introduce the character into the MCU; what better context for a beast like Black Panther to make his debut than the during the volatile, unstable mayhem of a civil war?

2. A House Divided

Tony Stark and Steve Rogers have been through quite a journey together. They’ve fought side-by-side against an alien invasion and an evil robot bent on human extinction – surely nothing would be able to shatter this bromance, right? Enter Bucky Barnes.

I know for a fact that I was not the only one heartbroken after watching the worldwide trailer premiere, and hearing Captain America say: “I’m sorry Tony. You know I wouldn’t do this if I had any other choice. But he’s my friend.” To which Mr. Stark replied: “…so was I.”

This was you wasn’t it?

1. Spider-Man

Was there really any doubt in your mind as to what the number one reason could have been?

Arguably Marvel’s most popular and well-known hero is finally being allowed to make his way into the MCU thanks to an agreement that Marvel Studios reached with Sony Pictures.

The idea of finally seeing Peter Parker web-swing his way into the MCU is something us fans have been denied for far too long. The fact that images of Spidey have been held off on so for long really makes me empathise with J. Jonah Jameson. Not only that, but seeing as recent Spider-Man movies have been less than well received, our friendly neighbourhood webhead is now in a position for a momentous comeback that redeems him to his former comic glory; not unlike a certain “Merc with a Mouth”…

One thing is for sure, when we do finally get to see Spider-Man in action in Civil War, it’s definitely going to be worth the wait. Who doesn’t want to see Spider-Man throw down with Cap and Iron Man?!