Actor Anthony Mackie responded to backlash over his recent remarks about the superhero Captain America not being inherently tied to “the term America.”
Mackie quickly backtracked, declaring himself “a proud American” and underscoring the symbolic values Captain America embodies.
On his Instagram Stories, Mackie wrote, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime.”
Highlighting his respect for the military, he further stated, “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.”
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The controversy began during a promotional tour in Rome for Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World.”
When asked about portraying Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, Mackie incredulously commented,
“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations.”
“It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable,” he added.
Woke actor Anthony Mackie says Captain America should not represent America:
“He represents a lot of different things & I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations.”
Time to boycott the new Captain America movie.
pic.twitter.com/aqQimCMGIZ— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 28, 2025
Mackie also reflected on the weight of the role during the press tour. “This is kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true,” he said. “You know, when I was a kid … all of us as actors, I believe, want to get back to that day before someone told you no.”
“When you look out your door and you see a five-year-old with a stick and he’s slaying dragons to save the princess in the tower, that kid really believes there are dragons out there, that stick is really a sword, and he’s really trying to save that princess,” he continued.
“Then one day, somebody told him no. There are no dragons, that’s not a sword, and that princess is not there. And all of his little dreams were dashed,” the “Avengers” star added.
However, Mackie’s remarks sparked backlash, with some social media users and public figures voicing negative reactions to ridiculous hot take.
Country musician John Rich tweeted his disapproval, saying, “I guess I won’t be taking my kids to watch Captain Anti-America. These idiots will never learn.”
Well there goes @AnthonyMackie killing his audience before the film is even released. Hollywood dopes never learn. He doesn’t deserve that Captain America role. pic.twitter.com/kXrCbKMVwD
— Matt Veasey (@MatthewVeasey) January 28, 2025
Others criticized the comments, accusing both Mackie and Disney of undermining American values.
One user wrote, “Sounds like another woke disaster from Hollywood. Listen to Anthony Mackie explain the character he portrays doesn’t represent America.”
The post continued, “Captain America does represent America my dude. It’s literally in the name.”
Did Anthony Mackie go to the same school as Rachel Zegler to study how NOT to promote Disney films ? Disney execs must clench their ass cheeks together everytime there’s a Disney promo tour for a new film these days . pic.twitter.com/adj3Dedzov
— Corey (@Corey_LFC_26) January 28, 2025
An account under the handle Amuse criticized Disney’s approach, writing, “DEI: The biggest reason Disney is struggling is because it platforms anti-American actors like Anthony Mackie who, ironically, plays Captain America.”
This is not the first time Mackie has spoken about the complexity of stepping into the Captain America persona.
During a 2021 interview with “Variety,” he discussed the emotional and societal challenges tied to the role.
“I’ve worked so long in this business and I’ve done so many things that I felt were not appreciated, or overlooked or things that were not considered to be worthy of promotion — and this is like my first promotion,” he remarked.
“The idea of being Captain America was something that I never fathom, or because it was so so so far fetched,” Mackie said about the role.
“I wanted to be in comic book movies so I could be the guy in ‘Spider-Man’ that goes, ‘It’s Spider Man!’. That was as far as my ambition could take me in that universe.”
He also revealed that he struggled with representing the United States, when he believes the nation doesn’t represent him.
“The fear of representing a country who doesn’t represent you, you know, was something that’s not only unfathomable but hard to overcome,” he told the outlet.
“My dad always used to say greatness is as far as you can see it… There are limitations that we place on ourselves because of our surroundings. And, you know, I did that to myself, and that’s definitely what Sam Wilson goes through,” he said about his character.
Reflecting on the Disney+ series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Mackie shared how his character Sam Wilson’s story mirrors his own experiences. ”
There are limitations that we place on ourselves because of our surroundings,” he concluded. “I did that to myself, and that’s definitely what Sam Wilson goes through.”