Anthony Mackie, the star of Captain America: Brave New World, made comments that appear to signal a dramatic shift from Marvel and Disney’s usual identity-focused messaging around race.
Speaking about the importance of his character’s race, Mackie stated, “I feel like it’s just as important for Black kids to see a Black Captain America as it is for white kids… Growing up one of my favorite superheroes was green… it wasn’t about race or anything… It was about him being a good guy trying to do the right thing.”
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He went on to add, “It’s very important for kids of all races to be able to watch something and have someone to look up to no matter what they look like, and see that that package comes with a good human being as opposed to what they’ve been perceived as by everyone else.”
These remarks are a stark departure from the themes of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which leaned heavily into identity politics by centering much of the narrative around Sam Wilson’s struggle as a Black man taking on the mantle of Captain America.
Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Eli Adé. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Mackie’s latest comments stand in contrast to earlier statements he made in the lead-up to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
At that time, he described his concerns about taking on the role of Captain America, stating, “The fear of representing a country who doesn’t represent you… was something that’s not only unfathomable, but hard to overcome.” He connected his personal experiences to the character, saying, “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.”
The earlier narrative framed Sam Wilson’s journey as one rooted in racial identity, a theme that ultimately alienated audiences. This week’s comments, however, suggest a different approach, emphasizing universal values like integrity and humanity over racial identity.
Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved
This shift might actually be a shift back for the Marvel star, as Mackie has a history of being critical to racial pandering.
In 2015, during discussions about Marvel’s Black Panther, Mackie pushed back on the notion that the film needed a Black director.
“I don’t think it’s important at all,” Mackie told The Daily Beast back in 2015. “As a director your job is to tell a story. You know, they didn’t get a horse to direct Seabiscuit! The thing is I don’t think the race of the director has to do with their ability to tell a story. I think it’s all about the director’s ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice. I think men can direct women, and two of my greatest work experiences were with female directors. So I think it all depends.”
Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL
The timing of Mackie’s remarks raises questions about whether this is part of a broader strategy by Disney to mitigate conservative backlash. The MCU’s recent focus on racial and political themes has drawn criticism from fans who feel the storytelling has taken a backseat to ideological messaging. By shifting the focus away from race and emphasizing universal values, Mackie’s comments could be part of a calculated effort to reframe Brave New World in a way that appeals to a broader audience.
However, these remarks come in the same week as Mackie’s divisive statement that Captain America shouldn’t represent America.
Speaking at a press event in Rome, Mackie said, “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.”
Anthony Mackie behind the scenes of Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.
This comment has already sparked outrage, with fans accusing Mackie of misunderstanding Captain America’s core symbolism. For decades, Captain America has stood as a representation of the ideals enshrined in the U.S. Constitution—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Critics argue that separating Captain America from those values undermines the character’s essence and alienates the audience that views him as a patriotic symbol.
With conflicting statements about race, representation, and patriotism, the messaging surrounding Captain America: Brave New World feels increasingly disjointed.
(L-R): Prime Minister Ozaki (Takehiro Hira), Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.
As the film’s release date approaches, the confusion and controversy surrounding its lead actor’s comments could further complicate the movie’s already precarious position in a franchise struggling to recapture its former glory.
Do you think Mackie’s comments came from Disney? Or is he making his own statement about Captain America and race? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
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Disney are becoming more sneaky with the propaganda. He’s still a token character.
We watched Family Matters and didn’t expect a white Urkel. Fresh Prince and didn’t need a white Will Smith. Sanford and Son, etc.
Disney’s idea of race swapping (only one way of course otherwise it’s racist which makes it racist) doesn’t help a story. In fact it takes away from the story leading to less fans. If you need other races to feel righteous create new characters with your unlimited wealth.
The very first good Marvel movie starred a black guy. People were beyond all this before it suddenly became okay to hate white people.
Sam Wilson is a terrorist sympathizer. What does that have to do with race? Is he suggesting all black people are?
Somebody had a “talk” with Mackie. Certainly not Bob Iger or the Board but definitely somebody with power and who understands this is not okay. I didn’t think there was anyone like that left at Disney.
I think you misreading this. He’s not stepping back from race; he’s embracing it. He’s saying race “doesn’t matter” because he wants white kids not to have a problem with black heroes. Sure, he said his favorite hero was green (presumably the Hulk), so it doesn’t really matter, but that’s not *quite* the same as if he’d said “my favorite hero was white, so what difference does it make?”
I don’t think he’s been given any new messaging, other than being yelled at for having the gall to say out loud what Disney thinks about Captain America behind closed doors. I still think this is just Mackey speaking off the cuff, trying not to step in it again.
That’s what I took from him.