Here's the real reason why Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) recruited Spider-Man (Tom Holland) for Team Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War. It's been several years since Peter Parker's introduction to the MCU and since then, he has gone through quite a lot. Much of his arc in the franchise has been instigated by his connection with Stark as Marvel Studios really leaned on developing their dynamic after they met. That said, the start of their relationship has inspired debate: specifically on why Spider-Man appears when he does.

The introduction of the Sokovia Accords in Civil War resulted in the Avengers splitting up into two factions — Team Iron Man, who favor signing the deal, believing that they need external oversight (or at least accountability) and Team Captain America who refuse to, arguing that it's best to have autonomy. Outnumbered and with the pressure from General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt) to bring in Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his team who went rogue, Tony sought the help of young Peter Parker, effectively including him in the conflict.

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As seamless as his introduction was, not to mention the nifty entrance at the beginning of the airport battle in Germany, the debut of the MCU's Spider-Man was somewhat controversial. Some questioned Tony's decision to recruit a teenager who doesn't really have any knowledge of what's happening in his conflict with Steve in Civil War. That said, the genius billionaire may have had a reason that justifies his actions.

Peter Parker talks to Tony Stark in Captain America Civil War

Iron Man's decision to involve Peter stems from his complicated relationship with Captain America. When this issue was raised at the Civil War press conference, director Joe Russo explained that there were two connected reasons why Tony specifically sought  Spider-Man for his team. Firstly, he didn't want to lose the fight with Steve because Tony didn't like losing, and at that point in his life, he did believe that superheroes needed some limitations after what happened in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Secondly, while Tony wanted to catch Team Captain America, he didn't want to hurt any of them.

Spider-Man being the "greatest living non-lethal weapon" as he gathered from the footage he had of the Queens-native proved to be perfect for his agenda. By bringing Peter in, he increased his chances of bringing Captain America and his team in but without the intention of actually hurting any of them. At the end of the day, Tony wanted the Avengers back intact especially with the nagging feeling that something big was coming, which he was ultimately right about as proven in Avengers: Infinity War with the arrival of Thanos (Josh Brolin). Tony said this himself in his first encounter with Steve before Spider-Man even made an entrance. He appealed to the Super Soldier to come with them because of their existing relationship. Unfortunately, Captain America was also set on his perspective when it came to the Sokovia Accord, much more so at that moment after learning about HYDRA's secret Super Soldier program from Bucky (Sebastian Stan).

It may have taken a while before Tony fully accepted being a mentor to Peter, but it was clear that he felt responsible for the young hero from the get-go. He provided him with an upgraded suit and told him to keep a distance and not get himself hurt during the Captain America: Civil War airport battle. His genuine affection for Peter only increased as they spent more time together — so much so that Iron Man was willing to risk his life just to bring Spider-Man back in Avengers: Endgame.

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