Anthony Mackie Comments on What Captain America Means To Him: “I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations”

‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ the second-to-last movie in MCU’s Phase Five, will be released on February 14, 2025. Fans are excited to see Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, replacing Chris Evans’ character.
Some fans were angry however as they were not aware that this storyline follows the comics, where “Captain America” isn’t just a single character but a mantle passed down to someone worthy.
Mackie’s Captain America has faced criticism for not having the super-soldier serum, instead relying on his suit and advanced Wakandan tech. Others have questioned whether he can carry a movie on his own—something that remains to be seen.
Now Mackie himself is likely aware of everything being said about his first solo movie in the MCU and the actor decided to comment on the character, what it means to play him, and the massive elephant in the room – what it means to be black Captain America.
Mackie stated he sees Captain America as a symbol of honor, integrity, and keeping one’s word, rather than being tied to the term “America.” And Mackie is correct, one notable version of Captain America called Nomad was completely disillusioned with the U.S. government. Steve abandoned the Captain America identity after discovering corruption within its ranks but kept the honor, dignity and integrity.
Captain America represents a lot of different things & 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.
Further, Mackie believes it’s important for kids of all races to see a black Captain America, emphasizing that it’s not about race but about portraying a good person doing the right thing. He hopes children can look up to heroes based on their character, not their appearance, and find inspiration in their goodness.
“I feel like it’s just as important for black kids to see a black Captain America as it is for white kids … Growing up one of my favorite superheroes was green … 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 something 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”
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