Anthony Mackie has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent comments about Captain America, which caused a stir online earlier this week. While promoting the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World at a Disney event in Rome, Mackie remarked, “To me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations.”
He elaborated that for him, Captain America embodies values like honor, dignity, integrity, and dependability, focusing more on personal virtues than the concept of “America.”
These comments quickly sparked debate, with many fans questioning his stance on the iconic hero’s symbolism. In response, Mackie took to Instagram Stories to clarify his position, saying, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime.”
He continued, “I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”
Mackie’s remarks come as he steps into the role of Captain America in Brave New World, following his portrayal of Sam Wilson in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The film, which sees Sam officially assume the mantle of Captain America, explores his strained relationship with political power, including a new conflict with President Ross—who is also set to transform into the Red Hulk.
Despite the controversy, Mackie’s commitment to the role and his respect for the hero’s values are clear as the MCU continues to evolve with the addition of new villains, including Giancarlo Esposito’s character.
As the Brave New World storyline unfolds, it seems Sam Wilson’s journey as the new Captain America is bound to challenge both his personal beliefs and his relationship with the powers that be.