Marvel

As shared universe movies come of age, filmmakers and studios increasingly face the decision of how and when to cater to new audiences — those who may never have seen any of the previous movies in long-running franchises. Marvel, the pioneer of the modern shared-universe franchise, faced that choice with “Captain America: Civil War”– and decided to focus on their fan base rather than filling in backstory for newbies.

“We had to make a decision early that we were OK losing virgin audience members,” Stephen McFeely, co-writer of “Civil War,” told TheWrap during a wide-ranging interview with writing partner Christopher Markus.

“If you don’t know some of these movies before you walk in you might be lost, but hopefully you’ll still be entertained,” McFreely said. “We can’t do a ‘previously in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,’ because it will take 25 minutes.”

Also Read: 'Captain America: Civil War' Sets Sights on $200 Million Opening

Indeed, the catch-up involved is considerable. Plot threads from numerous past Marvel-Disney films are in place from the first frame of “Civil War.”

There are references to the collateral damage from the last Captain American movie, “The Winter Soldier,” the complicated love lives of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts from “Iron Man 3” and the public image makeover of Scarlett Johansson‘s Black Widow from “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

In addition, “Civil War” slips in mentions of the domestic struggles of Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), integrates Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) with the other Avengers and introduces a teenager named Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and another new hero named Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman).

Also Read: Before You See 'Captain America: Civil War': Story So Far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Photos)

“This isn’t a new thing, it’s an ongoing story that’s organically evolving movie to movie,” Markus said. “In the beginning I think [Marvel] did operate as, ‘If this is your first one, it should be as fun as if it were your third one.’ Its a dense ongoing novel at this point.”

Superhero franchise screenwriters have a well-justified fear of overloading their scripts with establishing narrative. Warner Bros/DC Comics’ “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” took a beating from critics for including (again) Batman’s origin story, as well as spending screen time to set up future shared-universe sequels like “Wonder Woman,” “The Flash” and “Aquaman.”

“Martha Wayne’s pearls rain down on Gotham City’s Crime Alley just as sure as Rapunzel’s hair tumbles from her tower,” TheWrap film critic Alonso Duralde said of the source material retread given Ben Affleck‘s Bruce Wayne, adding that “the movie all but hits the pause button for about five minutes to lay the groundwork for sequels to come.”

Also Read: 'Captain America: Civil War' Won't Include an Actor We Expected to See

Granted, “Batman v. Superman” was a franchise launch — if there was ever a time to see the Wayne family expire before young Master Bruce, it would be in the first film.

Markus, speaking on behalf of himself and McFreely, maintained that Marvel’s “Civil War” could not “start from zero. That’s selling your material short.”

For those seeking a comprehensive catch-up on the Marvel universe thus far, click here. For those happy to be in the dark, “Civil War” opens on Friday.

‪12 Marvel Comics to Read After 'Captain America: Civil War' (Photos)‬

Each new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a can't-miss event for moviegoers. If "Captain America: Civil War" leaves you wanting more superhero tales, here are the best comic book stories for each of the 12 heroes that face off in Marvel's latest film.
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Captain America: "Captain America: Man Out of Time" Nos. 1-5 (2010)

Written by Mark Waid, this series chronicles Steve Rogers' struggles with adjusting to life in the 21st century after sleeping for 70 years. It's a good companion piece for MCU fans who loved "The Winter Soldier"
Marvel
Iron Man: "Iron Man: Extremis," reprinting "Iron Man" Vol. 4 Nos. 1-6 (2005)

Much of Iron Man's story arc in the MCU is inspired by this six-issue series. Tony Stark's origin story in the first film and the main plot for the third both come from this tale that changed the status quo for the character.
Marvel
Falcon: All New Captain America Nos. 1-6 (2014)

Several years ago, the shield was passed from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, with Falcon becaming the new Captain America. That's right, Cap is black now. Progressive!
Marvel
Hawkeye: "Hawkeye" (2012)

Shortly after "The Avengers" hit theaters, Matt Fraction and David Aja started a 22-issue run with Hawkeye that's been praised as the sharpshooter's best arc ever. The stylish series follows Clint Barton in those moments when he's not serving with the Avengers -- and manages to get into even bigger trouble.
Marvel
Black Widow: "Black Widow: The Name of the Rose," reprinting "Black Widow" Vol. 4 Nos. 1-5 (2010)

A great alternative to traditional superhero tales. This Black Widow story is a pulpy, beautifully drawn spy thriller that sees Natasha hunting down an assassin who shot her and exposed the files she secretly amassed on her fellow Avengers.
Marvel
Vision -- "Avengers" No. 58 (1968)

One of the most classic Marvel stories of all time. This issue depicts Vision, who in the comics is actually an invention of supervillain Ultron, undergoing a rigorous test to prove himself worthy of joining the Avengers.
Marvel
Bucky Barnes: "Captain America: Prisoner of War," reprinting "Captain America" Nos. 616-619 (2011)

Bucky's past as the Winter Soldier comes back to haunt him when he's thrown into a Russian gulag filled with some of his most bitter enemies.
Marvel
Scarlet Witch: "Avengers: The Children's Crusade" (2010)

Scarlet Witch becomes a major factor in the internal conflict that forms "Captain America: Civil War's" central premise. She also takes center stage in this Avengers tale as she searches for redemption for her past crimes.
Marvel
War Machine: "Iron Man: War Machine," reprinting "Iron Man" issue Nos. 281-291 (1992)

Rhodey has subbed in for Tony Stark as Iron Man in the past, but in this run on the series he takes charge in his own black-and-grey suit and becomes CEO of Stark Enterprises and the title's leading man for the next year.
Marvel
Black Panther: "The Client," reprinting "Black Panther" Vol. 3 Nos. 1-5 (1998)

Is "Civil War" your introduction to the King of Wakanda? Check out this story arc that set the standard for Black Panther comics in the 21st century, as T'Challa's homeland becomes the site of a coup during his visit to the U.S.
Marvel
Ant-Man: "Ant-Man" Vol. 2 (2015)

To raise hype for last year's MCU film, Marvel released a new Ant-Man series that captured Paul Rudd's goofy charm. In the series Scott Lang moves to Miami and sets up his own private security company to be closer to his daughter and ex-wife, with misadventure and hilarity ensuing.
Marvel

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Continue your superhero education with milestone moments in each of the movie characters’ comic book histories

Each new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a can't-miss event for moviegoers. If "Captain America: Civil War" leaves you wanting more superhero tales, here are the best comic book stories for each of the 12 heroes that face off in Marvel's latest film.

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