Anthony Mackie Clarifies His Viral Captain America Comments: “I’m a Proud American”

Just weeks before Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters, Anthony Mackie found himself in hot water after a clip of the actor promoting the film in Rome surfaced.

In the video, Mackie is asked, “What does Captain America represent to you today, as a superhero?”

“Captain America” in 2025: “To me, Captain America represents a lot of things.. and America isn’t one of them.”😳😳🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/xGwiAsO5Ck

— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) January 28, 2025

“To me Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” Mackie responded. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”

Mackie’s Comments Quickly Went Viral

Mackie’s comments quickly garnered attention on social media, with many fans expressing confusion. At the crux of the issue was Mackie’s assertion that “America should not be one of those representations.”

Photo: Marvel

While some fans defended the actor’s comments, others criticized Mackie for seemingly disassociating himself from America and insinuating that the virtues of Captain America did not apply to the country.

The Actor Quickly Clarified His Statement

After the discourse surrounding his comments ran rampant, the actor took to social media to clarify his statement.

“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime,” Mackie wrote on Instagram stories.

“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.”

Photo: Anthony Mackie on Instagram (via Deadline)

Reading Mackie’s explanation, it appears that the actor was trying to highlight the universal appeal of someone like Captain America, not insinuate that the hero should be divested from his star-spangled beginnings or that the country did not embody the ideals put forth by Cap.

Captain America: Brave New World will hit theaters on February 14.