Captain America: Civil War trailer teases superhero showdown

The year isn't even over yet, but attention has already turned towards what may be the biggest blockbuster of 2016.

Marvel has released the first trailer for Captain America: Civil War, the next film in its ever-growing cinematic empire.

The film sees Chris Evans return as Steve Rogers/Captain America, who is dealing with repercussions from the events of this year's Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The Avengers face growing scrutiny after another international incident, with the government attempting to take control.

Robert Downey Jr returns as Tony Stark/Iron Man, who faces off against Rogers when the two disagree over the government's involvement.

This results in the Avengers splitting in two, with Rogers leading Hawkeye and Ant-Man, while Iron Man is joined by Black Widow and War Machine.

Despite the large cast, the trailer also emphasises the role of Bucky Barnes, played by Sebastian Stan, Roger's best friend turned assassin. Last seen in The Winter Soldier, he and Rogers are shown teaming up again, the trailer ending with them ganging up on Iron Man.

While playing up the drama, the trailer shows Marvel's trademark humour will remain, with Stark saying to Rogers: "Sometimes I want to punch you in your perfect teeth".

The film is inspired by the 2005 comic book Civil War, by Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar. In it, the US government attempts to force superheroes to reveal their true identities, causing a division between Captain America and Iron Man.

Civil War is the 13th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise and the third Captain America film. Many have referred to it as 'Avengers 2.5', as Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Olsen and Don Cheadle all reprise their superhero roles from previous Marvel movies.

The film also has the first appearance of Chadwick Boseman as African superhero Black Panther. The character is seen briefly during the trailer, and will get his own movie in 2018. Tom Holland is also expected to make his first appearance in the movie as Spider Man.

Evans and Downey Jr made a special appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to premiere the trailer, just a day after the talk show hosted a Star Wars special.

Captain America: Civil War is due in New Zealand cinemas May 5.

- nzherald.co.nz