Anthony Mackie Elaborates on His Marvel Studios Diversity Criticism and Taking on The Mantel of Captain America
Not long ago, Marvel star Anthony Mackie called Marvel Studios out for a lack of diversity behind-the-scenes and criticized them over Black Panther and how that was the only film where the majority of the cast and crew were black.
In a new interview with Fatherly, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier star elaborated on those comments, saying:
"I’ll say this: I don’t think what’s happening is a racism problem. I think it’s an unawareness problem. With Marvel, I really think with most companies, they feel like they’re doing what they should be doing. In no way, shape, or form, is it enough. My big thing is, put your money where your mouth is. You can’t cast a Black dude as one of your main superheroes and not expect him to have that conversation. It’s just in my DNA to have that conversation."
"It’s a huge opportunity for me to be part of the Marvel universe so it’s my job to make sure the Marvel universe is as good as it can be. Anyone who’s big in our industry, if they have a party at their house, their party is 98 percent white. If you go to their office and their office is 98 percent white, that reflects their reality."
Mackie previously said that Marvel Studios should ultimately "hire the best person for the job. Even if it means we're going to get the best two women, we're going to get the best two men.” This should always be the case with any company or organization.
Mackie went on to talk about what it felt like for him to take on the mantel of Captain America in the MCU, saying:
"It was humbling, just simply because of my background and where I came from. It’s even more humbling considering where we are as a country. Marvel has done a lot as far as actors in front of the camera. Having Captain America pass the shield to a Black guy. Every studio has to do more about ushering more people into the business."
Mackie is obviously using his platform as the new Captain America to raise awareness of race issues in Hollywood. Given the current climate in America, now is certainly the time to do that. If he has the platform, the voice, and the desire to share his thoughts and feelings, he should.