Anthony Mackie is the first black on the screen ‘Captain America.’ Why his historical role is controversial.

Anthony Mackie assumes the role of Captain America, a fictional cartoon character who was originally portrayed as a white man with blonde hair and blue eyes, is not pioneering cartoon fans.

The idea of ​​a black man like the patriotic superhero was introduced in 1998 by author Mark Waid in the cartoon “Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty,” Where, according to Waid, Sam Wilson first “picked up costume and assumed the identity of Captain America.”

Over the course of two decades after Sam Wilson became cap in the comics, a black Captain America in the film customers is transformed into a contentious topic.

The question of a black Captain America in Marvel Cinematic Universe first arose after Chris Evans, who portrayed Cap on-screen for eight years, switched to Mackies Falcon in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” Fans were upset with Evans’ departure, and some felt Mackie was unable to take on the super -powered role.

Although some eventually warmed up to the idea after seeing him in the 2021 critically acclaimed Disney+ series, “Falcon and The Winter Soldier”, where Mackies Falcon struggles with the complicated view of what it means for a black man to be Captain America, Vitriol against actor ramped up again during his press race for “Captain America: Brave New World.”

Under one Questions and answers in JanuaryFans threatened to boycott the movie and Mackie Due to his comments on what he thinks Captain America represents that some are considered unpatriotic.

“Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of these representations. It is about a man who holds his word and who has honor, dignity and integrity. A person who is reliable and reliable. This is like an aspect of a dream come true, ”the actor said at the time.

After setback, Mackie has since clarified his comments online and in interviews and said he is a “Proud American,” And that Captain America is “Important for children of all races“So they can have someone to look up to whatever their race.

Talking to Today.com about some fans’ mixed reaction after the first Teaser Of him as Cap, Mackie, 46, says he was not “aware” that a black Captain America had become so controversial.

“I think it’s funny because we all call ourselves cartoon fans, right? We all call ourselves comics nerves, right? So if the cartoon says, Sam Wilson will be Captain America, then Sam Wilson will be Captain America, ”says Mackie Pragmatically.

Although Mackie says he “had no hesitation” that assumed the role in MCU, Waid admits – who introduced the idea that Falcon became the first black Captain America in the comics – there was “a little bit of resistance” from Marvel then He broke it up in the 90s.

“Not because anyone is not unbelieved,” Waid tells 62, to Today.com. “Not because someone at Marvel was on the wrong side of the story here, but just because when you are dealing with a business character like that, it will go through many creators hands over his 80 years of existence.”

But Waids goal was not only to make sure that the comic book readers were satisfied, it was also to authentic portray the black experience. To do this, the comic book writer says he was talking to his real black friends who made him see another perspective of America, which included feelings of “Racedat” and “Bigotry.”

“‘There is more of this going on than you realize … So just pay attention to it when you enter the story,'” he remembers those who say.

Within Marvel, Waid says his story of Falcon, who undertook the mantle of Captain America “, was very well received.” But externally, he says there was “a little bit of pushback” from fandom and readers, with some sayings, ” Well, this is not Captain America. I don’t know what you’re trying to say. “

Looking back, Waid says that pushback from fans was not so serious that he is reminiscent of “receiving any hate post” about it. But he suspects that if he had done this story today, “people would scream dei on us at the top of their lungs without knowing what they are talking about.”

Waid notes that in the last 10 to 15 years, ”there has been much more trolling, much more blowing back. A lot of organized fandom full of angry white guys who are not happy that they become quote, unoter, eclipsed by people in colors who are bull-t. “

The employed cartoonist says it is no surprise that some fans are upset and even threaten to boycott Marvel’s TV shows and the movies because “These are the same people who were in weapons about the comics.”

“Fortunately, they have been a small enough part of the audience where we did not have to take them into consideration,” he explains. “It’s not like we lost lots of sales because these trolls were out there active, performative anger over the replacement of Captain America by a black man in a cartoon. They did not buy the comics anyway. They were just looking for something to be angry with. “

Waids Introduction by Sam Wilson (Falcon) as Captain America in the comedic “Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #9” takes place in a time of “Great Racial Divide” in America.

Steve Rogers (Captain America) tries to separate from white supremacists (sons of snakes) who cooperate his name and image because they believe Cap represents their case, explains Waid.

“‘He’s a blonde white guy with a strong jaw. He shows you that is what America should be, ”he says of their feelings against Rogers – as during his struggle to stop them appear to be killed. It is at this point that “Sam Wilson is aware that someone has to pick up the mantle, someone has to pick up the shield and someone has to fight to clear the name of Captain America.”

While the film is not exactly like the comics, there are similarities. The Film follows Falcon’s struggle to reveal a villainous plot against President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), while also helping to free Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) – a war dyroctor who has been transformed into a super soldier after undergoing human testing of government – which was accused of being involved. Some fans have argued that Bradley is the first Black Captain America Since he took super solid serum as Cap. Mackie says that Sam’s sense of integrity and dedication to justice is what he leans into and tries to embody with his titular role.

“One thing that I have always wanted to produce with Sam and make the focal point of that conversation is the fact that he is the best part of us all,” Mackie tells Today.com. “Sam did not take (super soldier) serum. Sam is not a super soldier. He is just a good person and I think that is why we are all loved to him and appreciate him because we can see the best of us in him. “

Since that First publication in March 1941Waid says Captain America has had a simple, altruistic purpose: he represented the American dream and showed it was achievable. But he says Cap’s mission has “changed” over the years.

“America was the country’s opportunity,” Waid tells Today.com. “And it has clearly not always been so for some people … and I think Captain America today stands for equality. He stands to ensure that anyone in this country has an opportunity to improve himself and has an opportunity to have the best possible life – if they are willing to put the work into it. “

And Anthony Mackie hair Put it work with his over two decades in Hollywood and 10 years playing Sam Wilson. Even with his term of office, there will still be those who question being a black Captain America.

Mackie even gave a nod to the pressure of taking on Cap’s Mantel in the film. In an exchange with President Ross after the attack on his life, Mackies Sam the president tells him overwhelmingly understands what he’s going through.

“I know what it’s like to feel that you have something to prove,” he says.

Later in the film, Mackie is seen fighting with his previous decision to reject the Super Soldier serum and also the pressure he is under if he fails his mission.

“If I’m not at the right point, I let everyone who wants a seat at that table,” he says to his first lieutenant Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez), who takes Sam’s former mantle of Falcon. “It’s pressure. It makes you feel like you’re not enough. “

The cartoonist “Captain America” ​​says there has always been room for the character to change, develop and represent something more inclusive.

“Captain America can be an Asian man. Captain America can be a woman. Captain America could be anyone who stands for the ideals that Captain America stands for, ”explains Waid, noting that he hopes Cap’s fight eventually“ will be easier. “

“As long as they are an American in the heart and fight for the American way … The way we want was really the dream contrary to what racism and Bigotry have kind of poisoned so well.”

Mackie agrees and notes that his Captain America leads with two important things: “Compassion and empathy.”

“I feel like today, we could all use a little compassion and empathy,” he adds.