What happened between Civil War and Infinity War in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a crucial period that sets the stage for the epic events that unfold in the latter film. This article delves into the key developments, character arcs, and overarching themes that shaped the MCU between these two pivotal moments.
The Civil War movie, released in 2016, marked a significant turning point in the MCU. It centered around the controversial Superhero Registration Act, which forced superheroes to register with the government and disclose their identities to the public. This act divided the superhero community, leading to a rift between Captain America and Iron Man, who had differing views on the issue. The movie concluded with Captain America sacrificing himself to save the world from a catastrophic event, leaving the MCU in a state of uncertainty and loss.
Following the Civil War, the MCU entered a period of rebuilding and introspection. The aftermath of the conflict led to various character developments and storylines that laid the groundwork for Infinity War. Here are some of the key events and themes that unfolded during this time:
1. Character Growth and Transformation: Many characters experienced significant personal growth and transformation. For instance, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) grappled with the loss of her lover, Clint Barton (Hayley Atwell), while also dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War. Similarly, Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Vision (Paul Bettany) faced their own challenges, including the former’s struggle to accept his new role as Captain America and the latter’s internal conflict as a sentient being.
2. The Rise of the Black Order: In the aftermath of Civil War, the Black Order, a group of powerful and ruthless super-villains, emerged as a new threat to the MCU. This group, consisting of Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, and Black Dwarf, was introduced in the film Doctor Strange (2016) and would play a crucial role in Infinity War.
3. The Expansion of the MCU: The MCU continued to expand during this period, introducing new characters and storylines. For instance, the film Captain America: Civil War (2016) introduced Spider-Man (Tom Holland) to the MCU, while Doctor Strange (2016) brought in the mystical and magical aspects of the Marvel Universe. These new additions helped to enrich the MCU’s tapestry and set the stage for the epic crossover event of Infinity War.
4. The Infinity Stones: The Infinity Stones, powerful artifacts capable of shaping reality, became a focal point in the MCU during this period. The stones were introduced in various films, such as The Avengers (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Their existence and the potential dangers they posed became a driving force behind the events leading up to Infinity War.
5. The Arrival of Thanos: The MCU’s biggest villain, Thanos (Josh Brolin), made his first appearance in The Avengers (2012). However, it was during this period between Civil War and Infinity War that Thanos’ true intentions and the scale of his ambition became clear. The introduction of his adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and his relentless pursuit of the Infinity Stones laid the groundwork for the epic battle that would soon unfold.
In conclusion, the period between Civil War and Infinity War was a time of significant change and growth for the MCU. It saw the rise of new threats, the development of key characters, and the expansion of the universe’s narrative. This crucial period set the stage for the epic crossover event that would bring together heroes and villains alike in a battle for the fate of the universe.
