Entertainment

Marvel Star Responds To Backlash, Says He’s ‘A Proud American’

"I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country," the actor said.

   DailyWire.com
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 13: Anthony Mackie arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" held at the El Capitan Theatre on March 13, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)
Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Actor Anthony Mackie said he’s “a proud American” as he responded to backlash against him for saying he didn’t believe “the term America” was one of the things that represented the superhero Captain America, who represents things like “honor, dignity, and integrity.”

In a post on Tuesday on the Marvel star’s Instagram Stories, Mackie wrote, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime.”

“I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country,” he added. “CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”

The original comments came while Mackie, whose character Sam Wilson has now taken over the Captain America role, was on a press tour in Rome and was asked about his role in the new Disney movie “Captain America: Brave New World.” The hero role was formerly played by Chris Evans, as previously reported.

“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” the actor said in the clip that’s since gone viral. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”

“This is kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true,” he added. “You know, when I was a kid … all of us as actors, I believe, 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 with a stick and he’s slaying dragons to save the princess in the tower, that kid really believes there are dragons out there, that stick is really a sword, and he’s really trying to save that princess.”

“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,” Mackie continued.

After the clip surfaced, a backlash ensued against the actor, with people like country star John Rich saying he wouldn’t be taking his kids to see Mackie’s new movie ahead of its release on February 14, as previously reported.

“I guess I won’t be taking my kids to watch Captain Anti-America,” Rich wrote to his followers on social media. “These idiots will never learn.”

Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro wrote on X, “These studios at some point will have to stop giving their stars a platform to utterly destroy their product.”

Outkick’s Clay Travis asked, “Are there any actors and actresses employed by Marvel who aren’t complete and total morons?”

Political commentator Dan Bongino reacted to the clip and wrote, “Another s*** movie I won’t be seeing.”

Related: John Rich Joins Backlash Against Marvel Star, Won’t Take Kids To New ‘Captain America’

Create a free account to join the conversation!

Already have an account?

Log in

Got a tip worth investigating?

Your information could be the missing piece to an important story. Submit your tip today and make a difference.

Submit Tip
Download Daily Wire Plus

Don't miss anything

Download our App

Stay up-to-date on the latest
news, podcasts, and more.

Download on the app storeGet it on Google Play
The Daily Wire   >  Read   >  Marvel Star Responds To Backlash, Says He’s ‘A Proud American’