Actor Anthony Mackie has addressed public criticism about his recent comments on the character of Captain America, reasserting his patriotism and respect for military service members in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
Mackie, who will star in the upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World,” responded to backlash after suggesting that the character represents more than just national identity. During a press event in Rome, he had stated that Captain America embodies universal values of honor, integrity, and trustworthiness.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like Captain America is the honor of a lifetime,” Mackie wrote, directly addressing critics who took issue with his earlier remarks.
The controversy erupted after Mackie said, “I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations” when discussing the character. Country music star John Rich publicly criticized the actor, announcing he would not take his children to see the film.
In his response, Mackie emphasized the character’s broader significance. “Captain America has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to,” he explained, while expressing “the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country.”
The film, scheduled for release on February 14, marks Mackie’s first leading role as Captain America. He took over the role from Chris Evans, who passed the iconic shield to Mackie’s character Sam Wilson in the 2019 film “Avengers: Endgame.”
“Captain America: Brave New World” features an ensemble cast including Harrison Ford, Rosa Salazar, Liv Tyler, and Giancarlo Esposito. The movie is directed by Julius Onah and promises to explore the character’s evolving narrative in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As the debate continues, Mackie remains committed to portraying the iconic superhero, balancing a nuanced interpretation of patriotism with the character’s core values of heroism and integrity.
