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Despite the backlash, Marvel has doubled down on its attempts to push Wilson as the new Captain America, both in the comics and on the big screen. However, early reports suggest Brave New World has faced multiple production issues, including extensive reshoots following disastrous test screenings. And now, Anthony Mackie has poured gasoline on the fire with a statement that has left many Americans shaking their heads.
During a press tour for the film’s release, Mackie made waves with a shocking remark about what Captain America should represent.
“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term, you know, ‘America’, should be one of those representations,” Mackie stated.
The comment immediately sparked criticism, with many questioning how a character literally named “Captain America,” dressed in the red, white, and blue, could be divorced from the nation he symbolizes. Mackie attempted to reframe the character’s identity by saying:
“It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”
The blowback was swift, especially given that Brave New World is already struggling with weak box office projections. The film is reportedly tracking for an underwhelming $95 million opening weekend—significantly lower than previous MCU blockbusters.
Realizing the damage his words had done, Mackie scrambled to walk back his statement in an Instagram post.
“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. I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country,” Mackie wrote.
The film itself has also stirred controversy, as reports suggest that Brave New World underwent last-minute reshoots due to concerns over political messaging. Early versions of the movie reportedly featured Harrison Ford’s character, General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross—who becomes the Red Hulk—being portrayed as a fascist figure.
A crew member told Vulture that the depiction was widely seen as a reference to former President Donald Trump.
“He’s this very powerful general who becomes kind of a fascist and turns into a raging Red Hulk. That was seen as an allusion to Trump.”
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Executives at Disney, still reeling from a series of box office failures and declining audience trust, recognized the potential fallout of such a storyline.
“Disney was realizing, ‘Hey, we’ve been bleeding for a while. Let’s try not to piss off our core base any more than we have been over the past couple of years,’” the source added.
Marvel Studios is already facing skepticism from longtime fans, many of whom feel the franchise has lost its way in favor of pushing political narratives. Mackie’s comments, along with the film’s troubled production and the reported anti-Trump messaging, only reinforce those concerns.
With Brave New World just days away from release, Disney and Marvel will need to do serious damage control if they hope to avoid yet another box office disaster.
