Though he may be trying to throw fans off the scent, all signs are pointing to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe picking up the shield and becoming the next Captain America by the end of the upcoming series, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” But as we’ve seen with how people held Chris Evans in such high regard for playing the character for nearly a decade, Mackie understands that dressing in the red, white, and blue superhero costume and acting as Captain America on screen isn’t enough. You have to walk the walk in your normal, non-Marvel life, as well.
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Speaking to UPROXX, Mackie talked about the legacy of Captain America, and why it’s such an interesting time to be taking over the character. After the events of last week, when we saw people storm the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, and riot in one of the most revered government locations in America, some even wearing Captain America t-shirts, Mackie understands that isn’t what the hero is about. And those people are not the folks Captain America represents.
“Well, nothing that happened last Wednesday was patriotic or American,” said Mackie. “Even being a Black man, if you look at the history of this country and being a proud American, nothing about that was patriotic or American. And definitely not in any vein, shape, way or form in the life of Captain America would that ever happen.”
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And as the future Captain America, Mackie understands that just playing the character on TV screens and in movies makes him more than just a big name actor, but he’s going to become an instant role model. But he’s ready for that responsibility.
“Of course. You have to think about that,” the actor explained. “It’s one of those things, especially being a father of sons, it’s one of those things that’s constantly on your mind. That’s always in the back of your brain. So, of course, you have to think about it and everything: how it will change your life; How it’ll change their lives. I mean, I just wish it would make me cooler to my sons. But they could care less.”
As mentioned, it’s assumed that Mackie’s Falcon will become the new Captain America when “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Disney+ series ends its run in May. But, obviously, we all have to watch the series and find out. The show debuts on the streaming service on March 19.