Anthony Mackie’s hitting back at critics after some folks – mostly those who buy into influencer propaganda – got worked up over his Captain America comments.
The drama kicked off when Mackie dropped some truth at a Brave New World promo event before it hits theaters next month.
“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” Mackie said in the clip that’s been making rounds. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity; someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
The actor’s stoked about his latest MCU gig, calling it “an aspect of a dream coming true” and a perfect example of why he loves being an actor.
Marvel diehards have been quick to point out that Mackie’s take isn’t anything new – it’s right in line with what Chris Evans has said before and what the comic books have been saying all along. But that didn’t stop certain folks from getting all worked up about the “America” part of his speech.
As the drama unfolded, Mackie hopped on Instagram to clear the air, proudly declaring his American roots and expressing how grateful he is to rock the Captain America shield.
The haters had latched onto the “America” part of his earlier comments, getting bent out of shape because he suggested – just like in the comics – that Captain America isn’t just about repping the USA. The character, as both Evans and others have pointed out before, stands for something bigger – an ideal that even America sometimes struggles to live up to.
“CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to,” Mackie later dropped in his IG Stories, keeping it real about the hero’s global appeal.
The superhero blockbuster Captain America: Brave New World lands in U.S. theaters Feb. 14, featuring a star-studded cast including Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Harrison Ford, and others alongside Mackie.
