Anthony Mackie recently responded to criticism following his remark that “the term ‘America'” shouldn’t be one of the main representations of his Marvel character, Captain America.

In an Instagram Story posted on January 28, he clarified his stance, saying, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American. 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.”

The Controversy

Mackie’s clarification came after a statement he made during a promotional event in Rome for his upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. At the event, he said, “To me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations.” Instead, he focused on Captain America as a symbol of honor, integrity, and trustworthiness.

The comment sparked debate online, with some interpreting it as distancing the character from American values. Mackie’s follow-up statement reassured fans of his deep respect for the role and the country it represents.

Mackie’s First Solo Marvel Movie

Brave New World will be Mackie’s first film as Captain America, after taking over the mantle from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame (2019). He previously appeared as Cap in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), which explored Sam Wilson’s journey to embracing the role.

A New Era for Marvel ?

Mackie has described Brave New World as “a new beginning”, laying the foundation for the future of the MCU. He emphasized that not only is his character evolving, but the film also introduces new building blocks that will shape Marvel’s storytelling moving forward.

With its blend of action, political intrigue, and character development, Captain America: Brave New World is set to be a significant chapter in the MCU. The film hits theaters on February 14, 2025.