Anthony Mackie, a Hollywood actor who is playing the role of Captain America in Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” movie, is facing backlash after a viral video showed him saying that the Marvel superhero should not represent “the term ‘America.’”
In the video shared on social media, Mackie can be heard sharing his perspective of what Captain America represents.
“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. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
“This is kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true,” the Marvel star added. “You know, when I was a kid … all of us as actors, I believe, want to get back to that day before someone told you no. When you look out your door and you see a five-year-old with a stick and he’s slaying dragons to save the princess in the tower, that kid really believes there are dragons out there, that stick is really a sword, and he’s really trying to save that princess, and then one day, somebody told him no. There are no dragons, that’s not a sword, and that princess is not there. And all of his little dreams were dashed.”
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In the video, Mackie claimed that it is an actor’s job to “get back to the day where we see that dragon and we slay that dragon to save that princess, and that’s kind of what that movie was to me.”
Social media users quickly responded with backlash following Mackie’s comments during Marvel’s press tour. One social media user wrote, “And this is why the movie will do poorly.” Another social media user said, “Pretty sure it’s about America. It’s in the name.”
American Principles Project President Terry Schilling commented, “If you play Captain America, you should be proud to be American… Won’t be taking my kids to see this woke garbage.” Meanwhile, Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro tweeted, “These studios at some point will have to stop giving their stars a platform to utterly destroy their product.”
Following the backlash, Mackie released a statement on Instagram Stories, saying, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime.”
“I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country,” the Marvel star added. “CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”