Anthony Mackie forced to address his controversial Captain America comment after stoking online outrage
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Anthony Mackie was forced to clarify comments he made about his upcoming Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World after they stoked outrage from some fans on social media.
The 46-year-old Avengers: Endgame star, whose character Sam Wilson has taken over the iconic Captain America mantle in the latest film, ignited online outrage after speaking about what the character signified to him during a press conference in Rome on Monday.
'To me Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term "America: should be one of those representations…' he said. 'It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.'
The actors comments quickly became fodder for outraged posts on social media, particularly from conservative posters and right-wing pundits.
Mackie — who may find himself dueling for the Captain America name with former Marvel star Chris Evans in the future — took to his Instagram stories on Tuesday afternoon to try to clarify his statement.
'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,' he wrote in a simple text post.
Anthony Mackie, 46, was forced to clarify comments he made about his upcoming Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World after they stoked outrage from some fans on social media; seen Monday in Rome
'To me Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term "America: should be one of those representations…' he said. 'It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable'
'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 concluded.
Mackie's original comments seemed to infuriate several users on X (formerly Twitter), though plenty of fans of Captain America comics pointed out that his comments were in line with things the superhero himself has said.
'That makes me not want to watch it now,' another user said of the new film, while one person said Mackie's comments were 'wild.'
One commenter joked that Mackie's comments were 'sure to sit well with your American audience.'
Several fans claimed that it was self-evident that Mackie was incorrect, because 'America' was part of his character's name.
'"Where does it say Captain America represents America?" In the name, "Captain America,"' wrote on user, who included a gif of right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro.
'Too bad captain america doesn't seem pro america,' bemoaned another fan.
Others suggested Mackie was incorrect because Captain America's costume and shield reference the American flag.
'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 clarified on Tuesday
Mackie's original comments seemed to infuriate several users on X (formerly Twitter), though plenty of fans of Captain America comics pointed out that his comments were in line with things the superhero himself has said; still from Captain America: Brave New World
One user said they weren't interested in watching the film anymore after Mackie's comments
Several fans claimed that it was self-evident that Mackie was incorrect, because 'America' was part of his character's name
Others suggested Mackie was incorrect because Captain America's costume and shield reference the American flag
'And this is why the movie will do poorly,' predicted one upset poster.
One user went so far as to call for Marvel to bring back the previous Captain America.
'Bring back Steve [Rogers],' this guys a moron and never watched the first movie,' they wrote. 'Captain America is a veteran. What a stupid take.'
But other fans, many of whom cited examples from Captain America comics, not just the more recent Marvel films, agreed with Mackie and suggested a skepticism of blind patriotism was a hallmark of modern incarnations of the character.
'This is quite literally regarded as one of Roger's best speeches of all time,' wrote one fan who included a cell from a Captain America in which the hero spoke about the importance of standing up for his values, even if they conflicted with the sentiment of the American public and government.
'If you disagree with Mackie, you quite literally do not understand the character of Captain America. He'll fight America just as quick as he's to fight in the name of it.'
Another fan pointed out that earlier Captain America films showed the character — then played by Chris Evans — showing skepticism toward the American government that was ultimately shown to be warranted.
'Captain America 2 and 3 were about Captain America directly going against the US government because they made poor choices based on incomplete information,' they wrote. 'He's not a propaganda-spewing mouthpiece and is in fact the direct opposite. So yeah Anthony Mackie is right.'
But other fans, many of whom cited examples from Captain America comics, not just the more recent Marvel films, agreed with Mackie and suggested a skepticism of blind patriotism was a hallmark of modern incarnations of the character
Other fans pointed out that earlier Captain America films showed the character — then played by Chris Evans — showing skepticism toward the American government that was ultimately shown to be warranted
In Captain America: Brave New World, Mackie's title character finds himself thrust into an international conspiracy after a meeting with the newly elected President Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel movie debut
Another person pointed out how absurd it was that 'people [are] made at this when 2/3 of the Captain America trilogy involve him fighting AGAINST the American government...'
Mackie was clearly a fan of the character, and he said playing Captain America was like an 'aspect of a dream coming true' at the press conference on Monday.
In Captain America: Brave New World, Mackie's title character finds himself thrust into an international conspiracy after a meeting with the newly elected President Thaddeus Ross, who is played by Harrison Ford in his Marvel movie debut.
Plot details about the standalone film have been scarce, but trailers for the movie indicate that Captain America will have a showdown with Ross when the president transforms into the monumental Red Hulk and proceeds to demolish the White House.
