Anthony Mackie’s Marvelous Journey: From Salads to Happy Meals
Anthony Mackie’s extraordinary odyssey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with a delightful encounter over a salad by a pool. In 2014, Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," invited Mackie to partake in an enigmatic "so LA’" meeting. Intrigued by the prospect of collaborating with the talented Russo brothers, Mackie readily accepted, despite being kept in the dark about the specific role.
"I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it. I like y’all. This is a great arugula salad. Let’s go,’" Mackie, now 46, recounts with a chuckle.
Little did he know that that pivotal meeting would set him on a path to becoming a Marvel icon, embodying the charismatic Sam Wilson, the Falcon. Over several MCU movies and the "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" TV series, Sam has evolved from Steve Rogers’ trusted sidekick to the rightful heir to the star-spangled mantle, which he now proudly carries in his first solo movie, "Captain America: Brave New World."
Mackie’s journey in the MCU has not only propelled him to superhero stardom but has also bestowed upon him a cherished collectible in the form of a Happy Meal toy bearing his Captain America likeness. He carries this miniature symbol of his Marvel legacy wherever he goes, reminding him of his remarkable transformation from an unknown actor to a global sensation.
Embracing the Marvel Mantle with Humility and Gratitude
"I’ll never think it’s not cool. I don’t care what anybody says," Mackie declares, acknowledging the profound impact his Marvel journey has had on his life. "I’ve been in this business 24 years, and it literally feels like it’s been four."
With characteristic humility, Mackie credits his Marvel success to the unwavering support of his creative collaborators and the exceptional artistry of the MCU team. "It’s a testament to the people I’ve worked with," he says. "It’s a testament to Marvel. It’s a testament to everybody."
Sam Wilson: A Beacon of Hope and a Voice for the Oppressed
Over the years, Sam Wilson has faced formidable threats, from the cosmic might of Thanos to the political machinations of the U.S. government. Yet, through it all, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to fighting the good fight, standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
In his latest outing, "Captain America: Brave New World," Sam finds himself navigating an international conspiracy, battling an array of villains, and confronting a former adversary, Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who has now become the formidable Red Hulk.
Harrison Ford’s Transformation into the Red Hulk
Harrison Ford, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," brings his signature gravitas and intensity to the role of Thaddeus Ross, the former antagonist who now finds himself transformed into the rampaging Red Hulk.
"The Marvel universe is such a magical invention," Ford observes. "A world full of what might be black and white characters fleshed out into really interesting characterizations of humanity. There’s a truth to it."
For Ford, playing the Red Hulk was not merely a physical challenge but also an opportunity to explore the psychological complexities of a man grappling with his newfound powers and the profound implications they hold for himself and the world around him.
A Return to a More Grounded Marvel Universe
While recent Marvel movies have embraced fantastical elements, "Captain America: Brave New World" marks a departure from this trend. Director Julius Onah envisions the film as a "reset," harkening back to the geopolitical stakes and real-world themes that characterized movies such as "Winter Soldier" and "Iron Man."
"You do want to have something that just feels tangible that you can wrap your arms around and say, ‘Oh, I recognize this. I can invest in this,’" Onah explains.
Introducing the Serpent Society and Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidewinder
In keeping with the film’s more grounded approach, the Serpent Society, a colorful group of supervillains from the 1980s "Captain America" comic books, has been reinvented as a band of mercenaries led by the sinister Sidewinder, played by acclaimed actor Giancarlo Esposito.
"He’s just truly a heavyweight," says Esposito, who drew inspiration from his military school experience and his fascination with serpents to create a character that is both deadly and enigmatic.
Captain America VS the Red Hulk: An Epic Battle of Wills
One of the most anticipated moments in "Captain America: Brave New World" is the climactic battle between Sam Wilson’s Captain America and Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk. Filming this iconic confrontation in an Atlanta parking lot, Mackie was thrilled that Ford, despite his advanced age, insisted on performing his own stunts in his motion-capture suit.
"One of our first conversations, he’s like, ‘Oh, we’re going to get to kick each other’s ass. This is great!’" Mackie recalls.
Ford, in his characteristic deadpan humor, quipped, "I didn’t know there was an option. I thought that was acting."
Captain America’s Enduring Legacy of Integrity and Hope
Throughout his history in the comics and on screen, Captain America has symbolized the unwavering values of decency, justice, and integrity. Sam Wilson carries this legacy forward, inspiring those around him to stand up for what is right, even when faced with adversity.
"Making a movie that leans into being a paranoia thriller and a political thriller, these are stories of mistrust of individuals and also institutions," Onah says. "Yet you’ve got a Captain America whose superpower is his empathy. It creates a very natural tension."
"You can’t make a movie about Captain America that doesn’t, on some level, touch on the real world that we live in," Onah concludes.
Much has changed in the Marvel universe and in the world since "The Winter Soldier," but Anthony Mackie’s Captain America remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the most uncertain of times, the human spirit of compassion and resilience can prevail.
