Part 3/11:
Adding fuel to the fire, Anthony Mackie, who reprises his role as Captain America, made headlines early this week during promotional efforts in Europe. In an interview, he stated, "I think Captain America represents a lot of things, but America shouldn't be one of those." This remark quickly ignited negative reactions across social media and news outlets, with many perceiving it as a misstep that risks alienating audiences or politicizing the character.
Mackie later issued a PR response, attempting to mitigate the backlash, but the damage was done. His comments exemplify the ongoing tension between Hollywood studios’ desire to avoid explicit political statements and the reality of an increasingly politicized culture war occupying public discourse.