Actor Anthony Mackie, who takes on the iconic role of Captain America in the upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World,” has addressed controversial comments he made regarding the character’s representation of America. The statements, which sparked significant discussion online, prompted Mackie to clarify his position through a heartfelt message on his Instagram account.
“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,” Mackie stated on Tuesday. He emphasized his respect for military service members, saying, “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.”
This clarification comes after Mackie’s earlier remarks during a press tour in Rome on January 27, where he expressed his belief that Captain America should not solely represent America. He remarked, “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.”
Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, marks a significant evolution in the Captain America franchise. He has previously appeared in several Marvel films, including “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” and “Captain America: Civil War.”
The upcoming film, “Captain America: Brave New World,” is set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025. As fans eagerly await the release, Mackie’s comments continue to resonate, highlighting the complexities of superhero representation in contemporary culture.