Anthony Mackie on Embodying Empathy and Compassion as Captain America in Brave New World
For Anthony Mackie, stepping into the role of Captain America in Brave New World was about more than just wielding the iconic shield. It was about embracing the humanity of Sam Wilson. In a recent interview with BlackTreeTV, Mackie reflected on what makes Wilson the perfect choice to carry the mantle of this generation’s Cap.
“There are two words that kept coming up during the shoot of this movie between Julius [Onah] and I … empathy and compassion,” Mackie shared. “I never put together just how compassionate [the character] was and how empathetic he was to the situation of all the people around him. And that was something that I really focused on with this movie and this incarnation of Sam, because I want people to see him grow in every single movie.”
Mackie’s journey as Sam Wilson has been years in the making, tracing back to his debut in the MCU and culminating in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. “When we first saw Sam Wilson, he was a counselor. He was a veteran. He was a facilitator, a supporter of soldiers and that was something that was very important for me,” Mackie explained. “Keeping that all the way through the storyline up until this movie there where certain aspects of his being certain ways, of him interacting with people, that I wanted to hone in on in this movie because we now get to see Sam Wilson fully accept and fully take the shield. There’s no more question,he is Captain America.”
The meaning of Wilson’s role as captain America extends beyond the screen. Mackie emphasized the importance of depiction,especially in today’s political climate. “I think the idea of representation is important because of the fact it gives you the chance to see people in a different light than what you might think,” he said. “Like it’s important for my sons to watch the Wonder Woman movie. It’s important for my son’s friends to see a Black dude as Captain America.”
Mackie believes that seeing diverse heroes can reshape perspectives. “It changes your perspective. It changes your insight. That’s why I say, ‘You know, Captain America is just the moniker.’ He represents everything that’s good inside of us.”
Drawing inspiration from his own childhood, Mackie revealed how Superman influenced his approach to the role.“When I was a kid one of my favorite superheroes was Superman—like, I grew up wanting to be Christopher reeves,” he said. “Yeah, I didn’t care he was a white dude. I didn’t care he’s from another planet. It was the humanity of the character that I connected with. Sam Wilson is the best part of all of us. And that’s what people gravitate to and that’s what people connect with.”
Captain America: Brave New World opens February 14, promising to deliver a story that celebrates empathy, compassion, and the enduring legacy of Sam Wilson.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Empathy and Compassion: Mackie focused on these traits to bring depth to Sam Wilson. |
| Representation: Mackie emphasized the importance of diverse heroes in shaping perspectives. |
| Inspiration: Superman’s humanity influenced Mackie’s portrayal of Captain america.|
| Release Date: Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters February 14. |
For more updates on Marvel’s upcoming releases, check out the latest Marvel news.
Anthony Mackie on Empathy, Compassion, and Embracing the role of Captain America in Brave New World
Table of Contents
In the upcoming Marvel film Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie steps into the iconic role of Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. Mackie’s portrayal focuses on the humanity of the character, emphasizing empathy and compassion. In this interview,we spoke with Dr. Linda Harper, a cultural studies professor and expert on superhero narratives, to explore the significance of Mackie’s approach and the broader impact of diverse representation in superhero films.
The Importance of Empathy and Compassion in Sam Wilson’s Character
Senior Editor: Dr. Harper, Anthony Mackie has emphasized empathy and compassion as central to his portrayal of Sam Wilson.Why do you think these traits are so crucial to this iteration of Captain America?
Dr. Linda Harper: empathy and compassion are foundational to Sam Wilson’s character because they reflect the core values that make him a hero. Unlike some superheroes who rely on physical strength or tactical genius,Sam’s strength lies in his ability to connect with others on a deeply human level. This is especially significant in today’s world, where we’re grappling with issues like division and social inequality. By focusing on these traits, Mackie is not just playing a superhero—he’s showcasing the potential for kindness and understanding to effect real change.
The Role of Representation in Shaping Perspectives
Senior Editor: Mackie has also spoken about the importance of representation, particularly in a role as iconic as Captain America.How does seeing a Black man in this role impact audiences?
Dr. Linda Harper: Representation matters because it broadens our understanding of who can be a hero. For decades, superheroes were predominantly white, which created a narrow view of heroism. Seeing Anthony Mackie as Captain America challenges that narrative and opens up new possibilities for people of color. It’s not just about seeing someone who looks like you in a powerful role—it’s about redefining what heroism looks like and inspiring a new generation to believe in their own potential. Mackie himself has said this is why it’s important for young black boys to see him as Cap, and I couldn’t agree more.
Drawing Inspiration from superman’s Humanity
Senior Editor: Mackie mentioned that he drew inspiration from Superman, specifically Christopher Reeve’s portrayal. What parallels do you see between Superman and Sam Wilson?
Dr. linda Harper: Both Superman and Sam Wilson embody the best of humanity, despite their different backgrounds. Superman represents an ideal—someone who uses his amazing powers to help others, driven by a strong moral compass. Sam Wilson, as Mackie has pointed out, is grounded in humanity, compassion, and empathy. These qualities make him relatable and inspiring in a way that transcends race or background. Mackie’s admiration for Superman’s portrayal highlights the universal appeal of these traits, which resonate across cultures and generations.
The Legacy of sam Wilson as Captain America
Senior Editor: As Sam Wilson fully embraces the Captain America mantle in Brave New World, what do you think his legacy will be for the MCU and beyond?
Dr. Linda Harper: Sam Wilson’s legacy will be one of inclusivity and hope. He’s not just carrying the shield—he’s carrying the weight of what it means to be a hero in a diverse and complex world. His journey from a counselor and veteran to Captain America demonstrates that heroism isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. This makes him a role model for a new era of superheroes,one that reflects the evolving values of our society.
Concluding Thoughts
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Harper, for your insights. it’s clear that Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson as Captain America is about more than just action and heroics—it’s about empathy, compassion, and the power of representation. As we look forward to Brave New World, it’s inspiring to see how these themes will shape the future of the MCU.
