Mackie Clarifies “Captain America” Comments

Marvel
Online outrage keeps doing what it’s doing, with Anthony Mackie having been the target of some of it for the past day or so regarding the upcoming “Captain America” movie.

It began late yesterday when Mackie appeared onstage in Rome to promote Disney’s upcoming “Captain America: Brave New World”. In an interview, he explained what Captain America means to him.

A one-minute clip of that statement was posted by several attendees online and went viral. In it, he said:

“For me, 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.”

The comment, just part of a larger answer, has received pushback – especially on social media – for that first line. Marvel’s Italian social media account posted clips of the actor’s interview, but cut that sentence about the superhero not representing America.

The reaction has gotten so bad that Mackie has had to clarify the remarks in an Instagram story, saying today:

“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.”

He also spoke this week about playing a Black Captain America, telling CineGeek News that representation was important:

“I feel like it’s just as important for Black kids to see a Black Captain America as it is for white kids to see a Black Captain America. Growing up my favorite hero was green. So 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 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.”

“Captain America: Brave New World” is set to open in cinemas on February 14th.