Anthony Mackie has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent Captain America remarks, responding to backlash from a promotional event for his upcoming movie, Brave New World, in Rome.
During the event, Mackie suggested that Captain America should not be solely defined by the concept of “America,” a statement that sparked criticism, particularly from conservative commentators and fans who felt he was distancing the character from its American roots.
In a post on his Instagram Story, the 46-year-old actor clarified his stance, emphasizing that he is a “proud American.”
He expressed that taking on the mantle of Captain America after Chris Evans is an incredible honor and reiterated his deep respect for those who have served the country.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime. I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. [Captain America] has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”
To start, during a press conference in Rome on Monday, January 27, Mackie stated that Captain America "represents different things" to him, but America is not one of them.
“I don't think the term 'America' should be one of those representations,” he continued. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
The Immediate Backlash and Criticism
Fans and critics alike couldn’t help but react to Mackie’s statement. Many of them argued that Captain America’s identity is tied to American values, adding that its very name and even iconic shield symbolize the United States.
X user Master of the TDS said that what the Elevation actor said wasn’t just bad media training, but he had also “completely lost the plot.”
MrH Reviews argued that Mackie’s new film is “dead on arrival” after his remarks.
Benny Johnson couldn’t help but call Mackie a “woke actor,” asking everyone to boycott the new Captain America movie.
My Nerdy Home remarked that Mackie is now “bleeding red, white, and blue”—the colors of the American flag—after releasing a statement addressing the controversy.
The Evolution of Captain America’s Character
There’s no denying that Captain America’s character has significantly evolved within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson (formerly known as Falcon,” took up the mantle from Steve Rogers (Evans) at the end of Avengers: Endgame.
This transition alone has already sparked controversy, particularly about race, identity, and what it means to embody an American hero in the modern world.
As the release of Captain America: Brave New World quickly approaches, it remains to be seen how Mackie’s remarks will affect the movie and the audience's reception.
Like other MCU movies, the movie is set to explore themes of heroism and morality in a complex world, which Mackie believes are central to Captain America’s identity.