Marvel’s latest installment, *Captain America: Brave New World*, is set to be a significant release for Disney, as it holds a vital place in the studio’s shrinking list of successful franchises. However, what should have been a routine promotional event in Rome on January 27 turned into a controversial moment that has fans calling for a boycott. Actor Anthony Mackie, who now plays the iconic Captain America, made comments that many are calling an attack on American values, prompting online outrage and a demand for the film to be shelved.

During the press event, Mackie shared his thoughts on what Captain America should represent, and his comments raised eyebrows almost immediately. Rather than embracing the character’s patriotic roots, Mackie claimed that Captain America’s connection to America itself should be minimized. Instead, he argued that the superhero should symbolize more abstract virtues, such as “honor,” “dignity,” and “integrity.”

“For me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term, you know, ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” Mackie explained.

This stunning rejection of what has historically made Captain America a symbol of American ideals is troubling to many fans, especially considering the character’s origins. Created during World War II as a patriotic symbol, Captain America has long represented the best of what America stands for: freedom, justice, and the pursuit of equality. To suggest that “America” should no longer be part of the equation leaves many wondering if Marvel is trying to distance itself from the country that made it a global powerhouse.

But Mackie wasn’t done yet. Continuing his comments, the actor began discussing the importance of representation, especially for Black children. He explained that growing up, he saw himself in superheroes of all colors, pointing to his fondness for the Hulk—a character “green” in color but never defined by race.

“Growing up, one of my favorite superheroes was green,” Mackie said, emphasizing that race shouldn’t define a superhero. “It wasn’t about race or anything, it was about him being a good guy trying to do the right thing.”

While Mackie’s point about representation is valid to a degree, many feel that his statements about Captain America go far beyond inclusivity and are instead an attempt to undermine the very essence of the character. Fans have long supported the idea that superheroes—especially ones like Captain America—can be both diverse and rooted in the traditions of the cultures that created them. For Mackie to minimize the importance of “America” in Captain America’s character comes across as a misstep, especially considering the country’s current political climate.

The backlash online was swift and fierce. Conservative figures like Benny Johnson voiced their displeasure, calling for a boycott of the new film. “Woke actor Anthony Mackie says Captain America should not represent America,” Johnson wrote, condemning Mackie’s comments. “Time to boycott the new Captain America movie.”

Many online commenters agreed, sharing their frustration with the direction the Marvel franchise has taken in recent years. One user said, “I wish they didn’t feel the need to remake everything and do it woke. Ruined our childhoods. It’s like they cannot come up with any original ideas.” Another commenter simply stated, “Well, I won’t be watching it now. Keep your personal feelings to yourself and just entertain us. Sick of celebs ramming their political opinions and views down our throat.”

At the heart of the issue lies a growing frustration with Hollywood’s obsession with pushing a politically correct agenda at the expense of beloved franchises and characters. Fans have been increasingly vocal in their desire for entertainment that remains rooted in tradition rather than hijacked by political ideologies. With Mackie’s comments about Captain America, it’s clear that Marvel may be risking alienating a large portion of its fanbase, all for the sake of a more “inclusive” superhero narrative.

As the debate over the future of Captain America continues, one thing is clear: Mackie’s words have ignited a firestorm, and *Captain America: Brave New World* may find itself struggling to appeal to audiences who see this film not as a tribute to America, but as another attempt to rewrite its identity.