Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has stirred debate among certain fans,
but for longtime comic book readers, the idea of a Black man wielding the shield is nothing new.
While some audiences are struggling to accept Mackie’s Sam Wilson as the next Captain America,
the character’s history in Marvel Comics proves that this transition was set in motion decades ago.
Sam Wilson’s Journey to Becoming Captain America
The concept of a Black Captain America was first introduced in 1998 in Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, written by Mark Waid. According to Waid, it was in this comic that Sam Wilson, better known as Falcon, first stepped into the role of Captain America.
Over two decades later, this storyline has now made its way into the MCU, sparking conversations about representation, tradition, and the evolution of the superhero genre.
Chris Evans, who played Steve Rogers’ Captain America for nearly a decade, passed the mantle to Mackie’s character in Avengers: Endgame (2019). This transition, though anticipated by many comic book fans, became a point of contention for some viewers. The backlash only intensified when The Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuted in 2021, exploring Sam Wilson’s internal and external struggles as he stepped into the role.
While many fans eventually embraced Mackie as the new Cap, the controversy resurfaced when promotional material for Captain America: Brave New World began circulating. This renewed criticism coincided with statements Mackie made about the symbolism behind Captain America, which some perceived as unpatriotic.
Anthony Mackie Addresses the Controversy
During a Q&A session in January, Mackie shared his perspective on what Captain America represents.
“Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” he said. “It’s about a man who keeps his word and who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable. This is like an aspect of a dream coming true.”
Following backlash from certain fans who misinterpreted his words, Mackie clarified his comments in subsequent interviews. He reaffirmed his patriotism and emphasized that Captain America is a symbol of hope and justice for people of all races.
Speaking to TODAY.com, Mackie expressed surprise at the controversy surrounding a Black Captain America, especially given the character’s well-established history in the comics.
“I think that’s funny because we all call ourselves comic book fans, right? We all call ourselves comic book nerds, right? So if the comic book says Sam Wilson becomes Captain America, then Sam Wilson becomes Captain America.”
The Comic Book Origins of a Black Captain America
Mark Waid, the writer responsible for Sam Wilson’s first appearance as Captain America in the comics, acknowledged that his idea initially met some resistance within Marvel. However, the hesitation was not due to racial concerns but rather the challenges of making changes to such an iconic, long-standing character.
“Not because anybody disbelieved the message,” Waid explained. “Not because anybody at Marvel was on the wrong side of history here, but just because when you’re dealing with a corporate character like that, it’s going to go through many creators’ hands over his 80 years of existence.”
To ensure an authentic portrayal of a Black Captain America, Waid consulted Black colleagues and friends who shared their perspectives on racial inequality and bigotry in America. This added depth to the storyline and helped illustrate the broader significance of Sam Wilson taking up the mantle.
While there was some initial pushback from readers, Waid noted that the reaction at the time was nowhere near as severe as today’s online discourse. He believes that modern backlash is fueled by organized outrage rather than genuine comic book fandom.
“There’s been a lot more trolling, a lot more blowback,” Waid said. “A lot of organized fandom full of angry white guys who are not happy that they are being, quote-unquote, eclipsed by people of color, which is bulls–t.”
Captain America’s Evolving Mission
Since its creation in 1941, Captain America has been a symbol of American ideals. However, as history has progressed, so too has the character’s mission. Waid pointed out that while Steve Rogers initially represented the American Dream, it was clear that not all Americans had equal access to that dream.
“America was the land of opportunity,” Waid said. “And clearly, it has not always been that way for some people … I think that Captain America today stands for equality. He stands for making sure that anyone in this country has an opportunity at bettering themselves and has an opportunity to have the best life possible — if they’re willing to put the work into it.”
This shift in perspective is reflected in Captain America: Brave New World, where Mackie’s Sam Wilson navigates the pressure of carrying the shield while also dealing with societal expectations. The film follows Sam’s mission to prevent an attack on President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford) while simultaneously working to clear the name of Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a war veteran who was subjected to unethical Super Soldier experiments. Some fans argue that Bradley is the first true Black Captain America, given that he underwent the same enhancement process as Steve Rogers.
Mackie, however, views Sam Wilson’s strength differently.
“Sam didn’t take the Super Soldier serum. Sam isn’t a Super Soldier. He’s just a good human being,” he said. “And I think that’s why we all kind of are endeared to him and appreciate him, because we can see the best of us in him.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Captain America
Despite the vocal critics, Mackie remains dedicated to portraying Captain America with “compassion and empathy”. He acknowledges the responsibility that comes with playing such an iconic role and hopes to inspire future generations through his performance.
“I feel like today, we could all use a little compassion and empathy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Waid sees the continued evolution of Captain America as a natural progression.
“Captain America can be an Asian man. Captain America can be a woman. Captain America could be anyone who stands for the ideals that Captain America stands for,” Waid stated. “As long as they’re an American at heart and fight for the American way … the way we wish truly was the dream as opposed to what racism and bigotry has sort of poisoned that well.”
Whether audiences embrace Mackie’s Captain America or not, the message is clear: the shield represents more than just one man—it represents the fight for justice, equality, and the ever-evolving American dream.
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