“Bucky was innocent and Tony was trying to kill him”: 8 Years and $1.1 Billion Later, The Heated Robert Downey Jr. vs Chris Evans Debate From Civil War is Still Not Settled in Marvel Fandom

Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America are two of the most followed and loved superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While each superhero cares deeply about protecting the world and the universe, they don’t often see eye to eye. But their rivalry reached a new level in Captain America: Civil War.

Although the duo was already beefing at the start of the film, their animosity intensified when Tony Stark found out his parents’ killer was none other than Steve Rogers’ best friend, Bucky Barnes. When an epic fight certainly ensued, the Avengers were divided. And Marvel fans continue to fight over who was in the wrong.

Iron Man or Captain America: Civil War Debate Continues Even After 8 Years

Captain America: Civil War was released in 2016 and grossed about 1.1 billion dollars worldwide (via The Numbers). Despite eight years after its release, the intense superhero film has led to polarizing clashes in the Marvel fandom, thanks to the conflict between Robert Downey Jr.‘s Iron Man and Chris Evans‘ Captain America.

While at the heart of the conflict was the question of accountability versus freedom aka the Sokovia Accords, which sought to regulate superheroes, Tony Stark and Steve Rogers further clashed regarding Winter Soldier. Stark discovered that Bucky Barnes, under Hydra’s control, was responsible for the death of his parents.

This moment transformed the conflict between the two heroes from a political debate into a deeply personal feud. While a cinematic battle ensued between the three, with Cap defending his best friend, the question arises whether Bucky should be held accountable for crimes he committed under Hydra’s control.

Was Rogers right to defend his friend, or should he have allowed him to face the consequences of his actions, even if they weren’t entirely his fault? And was Stark right to go after Barnes, letting his emotions cloud his judgment, knowing fully well he wasn’t his true self? These questions, even after all these years, continue to divide the Marvel fandom.

Marvel Fans Divided Over Captain America-Iron Man Feud in Civil War

While the question of the Sokovia Accords is a different matter entirely, Marvel fans continue to be divided over the Captain America and Iron Man feud about Bucky Barnes. Brainwashed and controlled by the villainous organization, Hydra, he was forced to commit countless atrocities, including the brutal murder of Stark’s parents. Even though Winter Soldier was undeniably the one who pulled the trigger, most fans are quick to point out that he was not in control of his actions.

Yet, others want Barnes to be held accountable and have questioned Captain America’s decision to protect him, in spite of knowing what he had done. Despite understanding where Stark’s raw rage is coming from, Cap’s act of loyalty and compassion for his friend is seen by many as a betrayal of Tony Stark and a disregard for justice.

these people geniuenly dont understand the concept of mind control lmao

— doctor idk (@bigmonkeong) August 26, 2024

Bucky killed Tony's parents. Mind controlled or not he still killed his parents.

— Tamieca Skywalker (@FrazierTamieca) August 26, 2024

Bucky being innocent is an insane take.

— KingSB (@CL_2323) August 26, 2024

This is a worse case of drunk driving. The driver still goes to prison

— Landon Miles (@miles_mutant) August 26, 2024

There’s nothing to “forgive” because he didn’t do it. Bucky was simply used as a puppet.

If you were brainwashed into doing horrible things, would you want people to treat you like you MEANT to do those things?

— BK (@TBKReturns) August 26, 2024

Correct. Cap was right and Bucky was brain washed, therefore innocence.

Doesn’t mean Tony is wrong to want to go after the killer, he’s just going after the wrong person. The winter soldier is An actual puppet

— Wade Plemons (@WadePlem) August 27, 2024

The fallout between the two heroes left a lasting impact on the entire MCU, wounds that did not really heal until the events of Avengers: Endgame. While some fans continue to believe Iron Man was right and justified in his actions, others stand by Steve Rogers.

Despite the gravity of the conflict and the deep emotional meaning behind it, the only answer is no one was entirely wrong. There is no denying that Bucky Barnes was innocent since he did not choose to be used by Hydra and be a murderer and Steve Rogers was right to defend his friend.

On the other hand, Tony Stark was right to act the way he did, for Cap, a man he looked up to (even though he would deny it), was wrong in hiding his parents’ death from him. Furthermore, his raw and powerful emotional reaction only made the film more relatable, resonating, and real.

Captain America: Civil War is available to be streamed on Disney+.