Anthony Mackie has clarified his recent “anti-American” quote about the importance of Captain America in pop culture.
Mackie is currently doing the press rounds to promote the film’s release next month, but a recent interview landed him in hot water with some fans who misunderstood his intention.
“Let me be clear about this; I’m a proud American,” Anthony Mackie’s clarification began in an Instagram story. The block text post was in response to the actor’s past comments during a press appearance in Rome earlier this week.
“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.”
Following a Q&A panel in Rome earlier in the week, a clip of Mackie’s interview went viral online, where he said that “America” isn’t the operative word in Captain America.
“To me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” the actor began. As you’d expect, the quote riled up social media users who “bleed red, white, and blue.”
However, Mackie’s comment was addressing the worldwide importance of a character like Captain America, who represents hope and peace for all and shouldn’t just be limited to the USA. Mackie continued:
“It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
The actor, who first appeared in the MCU in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Solder, is now taking on the titular mantel in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, which opens in theaters on February 14.
Captain America: Brave New World releases in theaters on Valentine’s Day. Alongside Mackie, the movie also stars Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Giancarlo Esposito, Danny Ramirez, Tim Blake Nelson, Takehiro Hira, and Rosa Salazar. It is one of two MCU movies being released this year, with Thunderbolts* exploding into theaters on May 2. The long-awaited Blade reboot was originally scheduled for a 2025 release but has been delayed indefinitely.
SOURCE: MOVIEWEB.COM
