Anthony Mackie, the actor portraying Sam Wilson in the upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World,” recently addressed reactions to his comments about the character’s representation. At a promotional event in Rome, Mackie remarked, “For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations.” This statement led to discussions on social media, with some users expressing concern over his perspective.
Anthony Mackie Clarifiies Thoughts on Captain America’s Universal Appeal
In response to the feedback, Mackie took to Instagram to clarify his stance. He wrote, “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 emphasized his respect for military personnel, stating, “I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country.” Mackie further elaborated that Captain America possesses “universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”
Mackie, who previously appeared alongside Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now steps into the role of Captain America. Discussing the character’s essence, he noted that the stories are “about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity, someone who is trustworthy and dependable.” He expressed that portraying such a hero is “kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true.”
“Captain America: Brave New World” is set to release in theaters on February 14. The film will explore Sam Wilson’s journey as he embraces his new role and navigates complex relationships, including with Thaddeus Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Ford joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking over the role from the late William Hurt.
Mackie’s clarification underscores his dedication to honoring the legacy of Captain America while highlighting the character’s universal values that transcend national boundaries.