Anthony Mackie faces backlash for saying Captain America doesn’t ‘represent’ America: ‘Strange take’ – New York Post
Anthony Mackie is not a hero to everyone right now.The Marvel actor, 46, is facing online backlash for comments he made at a “Captain America: Brave New World” press event in Rome, Italy, on Monday.Mackie, who is taking over the role of Captain America from Chris Evans in the upcoming film, said that he doesn’t think the star-spangled superhero “represents” America.“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term, you know, ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” the actor said to the audience.“It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity,” he continued. “Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”Mackie, the first Black actor to play Captain America, also said that the role is “kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true” for him.Mackie’s comments about Captain America went viral on social media, sparking a negative reaction from many X users.“Well that’s sure to sit well with your American audience,” one person wrote on the app formerly known as Twitter.“Strange take,” another person said.“What? Captain America shouldn’t represent America??” added a third user.A different person asked, “What did I just hear?”“Well, his name is Captain America. He represents American values. Get used to it,” someone else wrote.Another Marvel fan predicted that the movie “will do poorly” because of his comments.On Tuesday, Mackie clarified his remarks.“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,” the star wrote on his Instagram story.“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 MCU character, Sam Wilson, is the new Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World,” which comes out on Feb. 14.The film also stars Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito and Tim Blake Nelson.Evans, 43, previously portrayed Captain America in 11 MCU movies. His version of Cap went back in time to live with Peggy Carter at the end of “Avengers: Endgame,” and passed the mantle on to Mackie’s Wilson.In 2022, Evans responded to speculation he was returning for the fourth Captain America movie.“Sam Wilson is Captain America,” he wrote on X.At Monday’s press event in Rome, Mackie spoke about what it means to him to be playing a black Captain America.“I feel like it’s just as important for black kids to see a black Captain America as it is for white kids,” he said. “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.”“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,” Mackie added.Advertisement
