As the first feature to jump-start Marvel’s grand plans for Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are already a staggering amount of characters – both heroic and otherwise – to keep track of among the studio’s bustling slate.
When push came to shove, it was revealed that screenwriters Christopher Markus and Marcus McFeely had at one stage considered adding Evangeline Lilly’s The Wasp to the Captain America: Civil War ensemble. But Lilly wasn’t the only actress that came close to appearing in Joe and Anthony Russo’s threequel.
Mild spoilers to follow…..
Now that Civil War has started screening for select critics – earning stellar reviews in the process – both Empire and The Wrap have confirmed that it is Gwyneth Paltrow’s Pepper Potts who has been left on the sidelines. That’s despite rumors to the contrary, too, after it emerged late last year that Tony Stark’s significant other and business partner would feature in Captain America: Civil War in a minor role. Alas, that’s simply not the case.
Granted, both outlets reveal that an offscreen reference to Stark’s muse is shoehorned into the actioner, but considering that there are no tangible plans for Iron Man 4, coupled with Downey’s frequent hints about exiting the MCU, could this mark the end of Paltrow’s Marvel run? Time will tell.
As for the confirmed cast of talent featured in Civil War, Joe and Anthony Russo have assembled Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Sebastian Stan, Elizabeth Olsen, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Rudd, Don Cheadle, Martin Freeman, William Hurt, Emily Van Camp and Daniel Brühl, who features in the ensemble cast as the malevolent Baron Zemo.
Captain America: Civil War is set to arrive on May 6 – leaving the MCU in a state of disrepair in the process.