Who's playing who?
Get tickets now and experience Marvel Studios' #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld only in theaters February 14. https://t.co/cIiKY5GuT5 pic.twitter.com/fdZJjJ2OUO
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) January 29, 2025
Anthony Mackie, the star of “Captain America: Brave New World,” recently addressed the pushback he has been receiving online over his comments about what Captain America embodies. Mackie emphasized that he is proud to be an American and considers taking on the iconic shield to be the honor of a lifetime. “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.
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 said.
Who will cross the line? Get tickets now and experience #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld, only in theaters February 14. https://t.co/cIiKY5GuT5 pic.twitter.com/qTdV98Mb3r
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) January 27, 2025
The controversy began when Mackie, during a promotional event in Rome for his new movie, stated that Captain America represents a lot of things, and America isn’t necessarily one of them.
His remarks were perceived by some as downplaying the patriotic element traditionally associated with the character.
Mackie addresses backlash on remarks
“To me, Captain America represents a lot of things…
Anthony Mackie’s Controversial Captain America Quote Mirrors Chris Evans, The Comics via @forbes https://t.co/d65l3Nxk1e pic.twitter.com/giPw0OA15P
— Paul Tassi (@PaulTassi) January 29, 2025
and America isn’t one of them,” he was quoted as saying.
Anthony Mackie clarifies his previous comment about what Captain America means to him:
“I'm a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like Cap is the honor of a lifetime. I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country” pic.twitter.com/P6sWvlmBxa
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 29, 2025
Mackie elaborated that Captain America is a man who keeps his word and displays integrity, adding that the hero doesn’t specifically represent “America” but broader moral values. The comments sparked backlash online, with some fans feeling that Mackie was distancing the character from its American roots.
Mackie has since attempted to clarify his statements, emphasizing the universal morals and ethics that Captain America stands for. Mackie’s new film is set to be released next month. It remains to be seen if his clarifications will quell the controversy surrounding his earlier comments.