Anthony Mackie Wants His Captain America to Be for Children, Just Like Christopher Reeve’s Superman Was for Him
Anthony Mackie, the actor set to take up the mantle of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently opened up about his vision for the iconic role. In a heartfelt interview, Mackie expressed his desire to portray Captain America as a hero for children, much like how Christopher Reeve’s Superman was a beacon of inspiration for him during his own childhood.
"My goal with Captain America is to create a character that kids can look up to," Mackie said. "I want to be that hero for them, the way Christopher Reeve was for me. Superman wasn’t just a character on the screen—he was this symbol of hope, strength, and doing the right thing. That’s what I want to bring to Sam Wilson’s Captain America."
Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman in the 1970s and 1980s remains one of the most beloved interpretations of the character. His Superman was not just a superhero; he was a symbol of optimism, integrity, and the belief that one person could make a difference. For Mackie, Reeve’s Superman was more than just a role model—he was a source of inspiration that shaped his understanding of what it means to be a hero.
"Growing up, Superman was everything," Mackie shared. "Christopher Reeve made me believe in the idea of a hero who stands for truth and justice. He was this larger-than-life figure, but he was also relatable and human. That’s the balance I want to strike with Captain America."
Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson, the Falcon, has already endeared him to fans as a compassionate and courageous character. Now, as he steps into the role of Captain America, he aims to continue that legacy while making it his own. "Sam Wilson is a different kind of Captain America," Mackie explained. "He’s a regular guy who’s been given an extraordinary responsibility. He’s grounded, he’s humble, and he understands the struggles of everyday people. I think kids can relate to that."
The actor also emphasized the importance of representation in his role. As the first Black Captain America in the MCU, Mackie recognizes the significance of his character for young audiences, particularly children of color. "Representation matters," he said. "I want kids to see Sam Wilson and think, ‘That could be me.’ I want them to feel empowered, to believe that they can be heroes in their own lives."
Mackie’s dedication to making Captain America a hero for the next generation echoes the timeless appeal of Reeve’s Superman. Both characters, at their core, are about more than just superpowers—they are about inspiring hope, standing up for what’s right, and making a positive impact on the world.
As Mackie prepares to don the stars and stripes, his commitment to honoring the legacy of Captain America while bringing his own unique perspective to the role is clear. Much like Christopher Reeve’s Superman inspired him, Mackie hopes his Captain America will inspire a new generation of heroes—both on and off the screen.
"At the end of the day, it’s about being a symbol of hope," Mackie concluded. "If I can do that for even one kid, then I’ve done my job."
