How Captain America: Civil War Sets Up Avengers: Infinity War

The events of Captain America: Civil War has left our heroes in some interesting places, and splits the universe's premiere superhero team right down the middle. According to co-director Joe Russo however, that is just the beginning of the war, and many dominoes have yet to fall.

The director answered some questions on Quora, and had this to say in response to the question "Which side do you consider the winner of Captain America: Civil War?"

"We always thought of this movie as the start of the war. It's not over yet."

In the post-credits sequence, Captain America's exiled squad can be seen holding fort in Wakanda, with the backing of Black Panther. While Infinity War will likely see them eventually working with Stark's group of Avengers in some capacity, that journey might take longer than some would expect according to Joe Russo.

"At the end of Civil War Cap drops his shield because Tony tells him he doesn't deserve it any longer, and perhaps he doesn't. His responsibility to himself is now in conflict with his responsibility to others, and he will struggle to resolve that. His road forward involves figuring out who Steve Rogers is without the shield."

The shield does not define Steve Rogers, but rarely does he find himself on the opposite side of law and order, and that looks to be the biggest adjustment for the character in Avengers: Infinity War. He's standing up for an ideal that is necessary, but at the moment rather unpopular, and how he comes to grips with that role will make for some interesting character progressions for Captain America.

Avengers: Infinity War lands in theaters on May 4th, 2018.