What led to the heroes going toe to toe was the Sokovia Accords, a UN-drafted set of documents intended to regulate the activities of super-powered individuals in the wake of some significant collateral damage. The documents specifically reference the destruction of the capital city of Sokovia at the hands of Ultron, a threat created by the Avengers. Tony’s guilt over the events led him to advocate signing up to be regulated, while Captain America railed against government control over their missions, likely due to his experience with Hydra infiltrating SHIELD. This led to a schism followed by a near-catastrophic tussle, and here’s how the MCU heroes that weren’t present would have sided.

10Bruce Banner Knows The Consequences Of His Power

Team Iron Man

If Hulk had been present during the events of Captain America: Civil War, things would have been markedly different. It is hard to imagine Banner not siding with his fellow scientist and close friend on this issue, as he is keenly aware of the danger his alter-ego poses to humanity. Hulk himself was aware to the point that he exiled himself at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Along with Tony, Banner was partly responsible for the creation of Ultron, and Hulk would share Tony’s guilt-driven assertions that the heroes should accept accountability. Having Hulk on board would have made the battle significantly more one-sided.

9Doctor Strange Would Have Avoided Being Tied Down

Team Captain America

Doctor Strange, as the Sorceror Supreme, would not abide being constrained in his protection of Earth from mystical forces that would do it harm. Doctor Strange is confident in his assessments to the point of arrogance, and would shirk any laws designed to tie his hands if he believed that operating outside these rules was necessary. The truth is that Doctor Strange is an entirely different beast for the UN to control, as they may or may not be aware of Doctor Strange’s immense powers – not least among them, the ability to wipe memories clean.

Doctor Strange is an incredibly dangerous individual if left unchecked, but exactly how the authorities intend to “check” him is the big question. Doctor Strange is easily one of the most powerful heroes in the MCU, and Earth should count itself lucky that he is on their side. Wong would likely follow suit, as his disregard for laws was demonstrated in him breaking Abomination out of prison.

8Thor Would Not Abide By Earth’s Attempt To Control Him

Team Captain America

While Thor has a soft spot for Midgard, the Asgardian would not appreciate being forced to register with their authorities. Much like Strange, Thor’s confidence in his abilities and assessments would cause him to brush away any law or movement designed to constrain him in his protection of Earth. Additionally, a Thor that is aware of Captain America’s worthiness to wield Mjolnir would immediately jump to the aid of his cause safe in the knowledge that his goals are righteous and noble. Plus, Cap would need Thor’s strength to effectively counter Hulk on Iron Man’s side.

7Jennifer Walters Would Abide By The Law (And Attempt To Change It)

Team Iron Man (Sort Of)

She-Hulk is a lawyer, and would balk at the prospect of breaking the law, even if she disagrees with it. Instead, Walters would be likely to fight for Cap’s cause while on Iron Man’s side. She-Hulk has been shown to be a reluctant fighter, and would likely skip out on the Leipzig-Halle Airport fight in favor of a battle of wits in the courtroom. She wouldn’t be as invested in Iron Man’s side of the argument as her cousin, but She-Hulk would defend the rule of law regardless.

6The Eternals Would Refuse To Be Controlled

Team Captain America And Team Iron Man

Truthfully, the Eternals would not be involved at all, but if Earth’s authorities decided to be extra pushy, then the Eternals – godlike beings who have witnessed the evolution of humanity from its earliest stages – would not agree to sign up. At least, not initially. A post-Ikaris lineup of Eternals may find that their colleague’s single-minded pursuit of their directive to the detriment of Earth was reason enough to have the rest of them sign up. The current Eternals have been shown to do what it takes to ensure the safety of Earth, but their clandestine nature would more likely dissuade them from signing their names to anything.

5Carol Danvers’ Respect For Authority Would Lead Her To Side With Tony

Team Iron Man

Somewhat perversely, in the events of Captain America: Civil War, Captain Marvel would side with authority – despite the Civil War II run of comics pitting her against Tony. The fact is, Danvers’ military background and political awareness would prompt her to agree that these accords are a necessary way to help Earth fend for itself. Danvers’ respect for planetary customs was starkly demonstrated by her marriage of convenience in The Marvels. After all, it isn’t as if Danvers concerns herself much with Earth anyway, meaning she would be free to act as she sees fit on other planets.

4Kamala Khan Is Too Free-Spirited To Follow Her Idol

Team Captain America

Unfortunately for Kamala, she would likely find herself in opposition to her idol as the rebellious teen sticks to her ideals. There was already a moment of tension shared between the two heroes in The Marvels as Kamala was disappointed in Danvers’ more pragmatic approach to the rescue attempts on Tarnax, showing herself to put morality ahead of practicality. This would likely lead Ms. Marvel to side with the idealism of Captain America, who could have gone about recruiting her to his side while Iron Man worked on Spider-Man.

3Shang-Chi Is Responsible Enough To Sign Up

Team Iron Man

Shang-Chi has been shown to be a responsible hero willing to go above and beyond for the sake of the greater good. His tussle with terrifying otherworldly entities and clandestine organizations would push him to fight for greater control over the dangers that threaten Earth and those he holds dear. Though it could be argued that, after his experiences with his tyrannical father, he would be skeptical of authority – Shang-Chi’s experiences with unchecked power would be enough to sway him to the side of Iron Man.

2Moon Knight’s Inner Conflict Would Be Exacerbated

Both

Moon Knight would be one of the most interesting participants in Captain America: Civil War as the conflict would rage inside himself as well. The deferential Steven Grant would eagerly push for registration whereas Marc Spector would absolutely rail against it. It’s almost tragic that Moon Knight was not around during the events of the movie, as the dynamic of having Spector and Grant involved on opposing sides would have made for exceptionally entertaining sequences.

1The Guardians of the Galaxy Are Natural Outlaws

Team Captain America

The Guardians of the Galaxy are a ragtag group of outlaws from the outset, and would lambast any attempt for more controls on individuals. Their ties to the tyrannical Thanos would prompt a visceral opposition to the Accords, which Rogers viewed as authoritarian in Captain America: Civil War, even though their business rarely ever takes them to Earth. Their camaraderie with Thor would also lend itself to them siding with him during the fight, as they rally against the attempts of Earth to enforce control over their more earth-bound super-powered colleagues.