Anthony Mackie recently shared insights into the unique challenges he faced while starring in Marvel’s Disney+ series, “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.” The series, which premiered on March 19, 2021, delves into the lives of Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) post-Avengers: Endgame. Mackie, who has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for years, opened up about the complexities of portraying a superhero in a world that is far from perfect.
In an interview, Mackie discussed the human toll of being an Avenger. Despite working alongside Tony Stark, one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, the Avengers were never compensated for their efforts. The series sheds light on the real-life struggles of superheroes, addressing questions about their day-to-day existence and who, if anyone, pays them for their heroics.
“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is set months after the events of Endgame, placing it chronologically after WandaVision. The show explores the world that these heroes return to, a world still grappling with the aftermath of Thanos’s Snap. The series doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, such as bills, jobs, and family responsibilities, even for those who have saved the universe.
Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson, is seen working as a government freelancer, assisting the Air Force on covert missions. However, he is not yet the new Captain America, despite Steve Rogers passing the iconic shield to him at the end of Endgame. The series delves into Sam’s internal struggle with self-worth and doubt, questioning whether he can live up to the legacy of Captain America.
Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, on the other hand, is trying to cope with his past as a brainwashed HYDRA assassin. The series shows Bucky attending therapy, a rare but sensible decision in the MCU, as he attempts to make amends for his past actions. The show raises poignant questions about redemption and whether Bucky can ever truly atone for the pain he has caused.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is its world-building. It provides a substantial look at the post-Endgame reality, exploring how Thanos’s Snap and Iron Man’s subsequent snapback have altered life on Earth. People who were blipped out of existence for five years face significant challenges upon their return, such as difficulty securing loans, finding jobs, and rebuilding relationships.
The series also touches on the broader implications of the Snap, including shifts in global politics and the emergence of new villainous organizations. The return of the vanished population doesn’t magically solve the world’s problems, and even the Avengers must navigate these new complexities.
Mackie also highlighted the creative constraints of working within the Marvel framework. He noted that while Marvel projects offer a controlled environment with limited creative freedom, his work on other projects, like the Peacock series “Twisted Metal,” allows for more artistic expression.
“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is not just an action-packed superhero series; it also tackles deeper themes such as legacy, race, and trauma. The showrunner, Malcolm Spellman, ensures that the series addresses systemic racism and the personal and political struggles of African Americans. Sam Wilson’s journey to becoming Captain America is fraught with challenges, including societal reluctance to accept a Black man as the embodiment of American patriotism.
The series also introduces Isaiah Bradley, a Black man who was subjected to the Super Soldier serum experiments, highlighting the historical exploitation of African American soldiers. This storyline adds another layer of complexity to Sam’s decision to take up the mantle of Captain America.
Bucky Barnes’s character development is equally compelling. His growing awareness of systemic racism and his efforts to understand Sam’s experiences reflect the racial politics of contemporary America. The series honors the contributions of Black soldiers throughout American history, acknowledging their sacrifices and the injustices they faced.
By the end of the series, Sam Wilson embraces his role as Captain America, challenging notions of American exceptionalism and confronting systemic racism head-on. Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson is both nuanced and powerful, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and unwavering commitment to justice.
“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” ultimately redefines what it means to be a superhero in today’s world. It forces viewers to reconsider the contours of Black identity and the complexities of American patriotism. As a scholar of Black history and a lover of superheroes, Mackie sees Sam Wilson as the perfect embodiment of a Captain America for our current age.
