Marvel’s highly anticipated new film, “Captain American: Brave New World” debuted as the number one film at the box office opening weekend.
Directed by Julius Onah, who is the second Black man to direct a Marvel film, the movie stars Anthony Mackie who makes history as Marvel’s first Black Captain America.
Mackie has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for over a decade with his first appearance being the critically acclaimed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014) in the role of Sam Wilson/Falcon with actor Chris Evans as Steve Rodgers/Captain America. Eleven years later, Mackie has appeared in five other Marvel films as well as video games, animated series, and the Disney+ miniseries, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021).
In “Brave New World,” not only is Mackie wielding the shield, he also serves as an executive producer. Citing some of the important decisions that he made for his character as an executive producer, Mackie told the Sentinel, “It was important that his humanity stayed intact. When we first met Sam Wilson in the cinematic universe, he was a military counselor. He was a giver of mental health. He was a member of the 58th Airborne, he was selfless.
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“That first meeting is why Steve Rogers entrusted Sam Wilson with his fellowship and friendship moving on through the universe because he knew he would give more than he asked of him as a comrade and as a friend, being a part of the 58th.
“So, I wanted that to live through every movie, the fact that Sam Wilson wasn’t Steve Rogers’ assistant, he was his equal, and he was his partner. That was really important to me, especially once I found out we were doing this movie and the TV show.
“The idea of Sam being a counselor was very important because he didn’t take the serum. So, for him, his superpowers are his compassion, his empathy, his heart, and his humanity. And I think this movie is the first time you get to see that play out perfectly.”
Co-star Carl Lumbly, who’s credited as the first Black television superhero for his portrayal of Dr. Miles Hawkins in the series, “M.A.N.T.I.S.” (1994-95), reprises his role from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” as Super Soldier, Isaiah Bradley.
When asked what he hopes diehard Marvel fans, as well as newcomers to the franchise, glean from the film, Lumbly said, “Apart from the historical importance of Anthony being Captain America, I hope what audiences take away from this is that the same impulses, principles, and ideals that motivated Captain America from his inception are the same. Stever Rodgers and Sam Wilson are operating from the same place but with different perspectives.
“In my view, Sam Wilson comes from a much more holistic place. Sam’s a social worker, and what he takes on, he takes on willingly and gets the training he needs. It doesn’t involve a change in his metabolism or his structure. It involves him bringing the gifts that he has, unenhanced to the task.
“It involves learning skills. It involves technology. It involves most of all, a point of view that unity is more important than anything. What should be considered of value is love and connection and applying yourself with all your heart. That’s Sam Wilson’s brand of super heroism.”
Mackie and Lumbly’s co-star Danny Ramirez is also reprising his role from the TV series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” as “Joaquin Torres.” In “Brave New World” Ramirez brings a youthful sense of humor and optimism to his superhero role as the new “Falcon.” While the film is described as a “geopolitical thriller,” Ramirez reiterates the lighthearted aspects of the film as well as his and Mackie’s undeniable on-screen camaraderie.
Ramirez gave insight into how the creative team set the tone for what audiences can expect from the film. “We had a great leader in Julius, who along with Anthony and everyone over at Marvel, was able to figure out that real heartbeat that I think everyone wants associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When I think about Marvel, I think about capturing grounded magic. You’re able to suspend belief while taking these emotional rides.
“I think audiences are going to love this film because it’s gonna remind them of why they’re obsessed with this universe. We have a great leader in Anthony as our Captain America. And the action sequences, the emotional depth, and the nuance of everyone’s character trajectories are phenomenal. I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Mackie, a native of New Orleans commemorated his historic opening weekend, by receiving the key to the city presented by Terry Davis, director of communications, on behalf of the Mayor of New Orleans. The ceremony took place at Mackie’s alma mater, Warren Easton Charter High School.
“Captain America: Brave New World” is currently in theatres.
