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By Joe Edwards
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Captain America actor Anthony Mackie has said his hero character, "represents a lot of different things, and I don't think the term 'America' should be one."
The 46-year-old was asked, according to a Newsweek translation, "What does Captain America represent to you today, as a superhero?" during a promotional event in Rome on Monday for the new movie Captain America: Brave New World.
The 46-year-old Mackie replied for him, the story is, "about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable."
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His remarks have drawn mixed reactions and confusion among fans online after a 1-minute clip went viral, clocking up more than 1.6 million views on Tuesday.
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Why It Matters
Captain America, with his iconic red, white and blue uniform and star-studded shield is widely recognized as a hero representative of the United States.
It's a much loved Marvel movie franchise which has historically enjoyed the attention of millions around the world. The second in the series, Captain America: The First Avenger, grossed more than $370 million at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo figures.
What Did Anthony Mackie Say?
Mackie's character, Sam Wilson, will take on the mantle of Captain America in the upcoming movie, after Steve Rodgers, played by Chris Evans, exited the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
"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 kinda like an aspect of a dream coming true."
"All of us as actors 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 kid with a stick and he's slaying dragons to save the princess in the tower, that kid really believes their dragon's 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.
"So... as an actor I feel like our job is to get back to the day when we see that dragon and we slay that dragon and save that princess, and that's kind of what this movie was for me.
In response to a request for comment, a representative for Mackie pointed Newsweek to an Instagram post from the actor which read:
"Let me be clear about this, I'm a proud to American and 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."
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What Other People Are Saying
Mackie's America comments were largely met with confusion on X, formerly Twitter.
"Strange take. Captain America literally has America in the name and represents American values of freedom, justice, and standing up for what's right," said one user in response to the clip.
"Why try to separate that? The character's whole origin is tied to WW2 America."
Another wrote: "I like Anthony Mackie as an actor overall, the dudes really charismatic and talented. But this take is trash, Captain America represents American values and the ideal we should strive for. He can represent all those things Mackie said, but he needs to represent America."
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson said in response: "Time to boycott the new Captain America movie."
Other commenters still seemed excited for the movie, however, such as one who wrote: "I am looking forward to this movie. Just as Rogers was worthy of Mjölnir, I feel Wilson is worthy of the shield and taking up the mantle of Captain America."
What Happens in the New Captain America Movie?
Trailers for the movie suggest Mackie's character will clash with the U.S. president, played by Harrison Ford, after the commander-in-chief transforms into Red Hulk.
A plot synopsis reads: "Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red."
What Happens Next
Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled for release on February 14, 2025.
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Update 01/29/25, 12:04 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from a representative for Mackie.
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