Anthony Mackie Walks Back Captain America Comments

A couple of days ago, the new Captain America actor, Anthony Mackie, came under fire after he told a group in Rome that “America” is not something that his character represents.

Here is what he said,

“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. Like, it’s about a man who keeps his word. Who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable. You know, it’s kind of like an aspect of a dream coming true..”

It is possible that his meaning was simply that those characteristics are not solely American and the character has more sides, but that is not the way it came out. Which I said yesterday, and Mackie is saying today.

Immediately the news was all over the United States. My mother knew all about it and she doesn’t follow Marvel or pop culture.

Now Anthony Mackie is trying to clarify his previous statement saying,

“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. CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to. “

Unfortunately, the damage has likely already been done.

The film was already tracking low. Now, it is said to do $95 million domestically for a 4-DAY opening.

I notice the opening time frame has shifted up a day to hit that goal.

We already know that pre-sale tickets were tracking about the same as Marvel’s “Eternals,” which is not a win. Sales are below the 2023 bomb “Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania” as well.

Comicbook.com is even trying to blame Harrison Ford for the low numbers because he makes it for older audiences.

“One of the reasons that Captain America: Brave New World’s ticket pre-sale numbers are low could be that the film caters to a slightly older audience than other Marvel movies. This is evident in several facets of the film’s marketing. The movie markets itself as a spy thriller, a genre which, while popular with many demographics, tends to be a favorite of middle-aged audiences. Perhaps more importantly, the film includes Harrison Ford in a remarkably different role than anything that audiences have ever seen him perform before. Harrison Ford will play a crucial role in Brave New World, playing President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, who transforms into the savage Red Hulk. Ford’s presence has been a major talking point of the film leading up to its release. Although he is popular with many demographics, Harrison Ford is particularly beloved by middle-aged audiences, who grew up watching him star in movies like Star Wars, Jack Ryan, and Indiana Jones in the ’80s and ’90s.”

“Middle age” audiences are “old” now according to Comicbook.com.  Old folks don’t come out on opening weekend.

“In general, older audiences don’t rush to go see new films on their opening weekends or even their second weekends. They tend to be slower going out to theaters, trickling in as they have time to do so. Younger viewers, the target audience of most Marvel movies, are those who tend to buy tickets ahead of time and go to the movies on opening weekend.”

I always went to Marvel films opening day or weekend. I would likely be considered “old” by this person’s standards.

Wow! “It’s not the movie or the new Captain America that is the problem guys, it’s because only old people will like it.”

I wish I were kidding.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!