(Admittedly, “soft war” does sound like something Marvel would publish, having already published series called Secret War, Civil War, Silent War and, of course, World War Hulk.

To do that movie right, the logic goes, Spider-Man is necessary. (The discussions reportedly broke down.) But here’s the thing. Spider-Man is entirely surplus to any Civil War adaptation.

With the Punisher's joining Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the MCU has everything it needs to adapt a great moment from the "Civil War" comic.

Jon Bernthal Says He ‘Made’ Tom Holland’s Audition Tape for ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ Takes ‘a Little’ Credit For Him Becoming Spider-Man ...