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Chris Evans, Others Calls for Disney To Stop “Captain America” Altogether

Marvel Studios is no stranger to controversy, but the latest debate surrounding Captain America: Brave New World has some calling for Disney to retire the character altogether.

The backlash started when Anthony Mackie, the newest actor to don the Captain America shield, made a statement suggesting that the character should not “represent America.” His remarks quickly sparked outrage, adding fuel to the growing belief that Marvel is moving further away from its classic heroes and their core identities. Now, even former Captain America actor Chris Evans has weighed in, adding more perspective to the ongoing debate.

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Credit: Marvel Studios

What Mackie Said That Sparked the Backlash

During a recent press tour, Anthony Mackie made the following statement about what Captain America represents:

“Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations. It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”

For many longtime fans, this statement was a step too far. Captain America has always been a symbol of American ideals, even when those ideals were challenged. To hear the new face of the franchise suggest that “America” shouldn’t be part of Captain America’s representation left many questioning what, exactly, the character is supposed to stand for now.

The reaction was swift, with some fans saying they would boycott Brave New World, while others argued that Marvel has lost sight of what made the MCU so successful in the first place. This controversy couldn’t come at a worse time for Marvel, as the studio has already been struggling at the box office. Recent films like The Marvels and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania failed to meet expectations, and the franchise is in desperate need of a win.

Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson looking at the Captain America shield
Credit: Marvel Studios

Chris Evans’ Take on Captain America’s Identity

In the midst of the backlash, past Captain America actor Chris Evans’ previous comments about the character resurfaced. In a previous interview, Evans had said:

“Ha, well, to me, I’m not trying to get too lost in the American side of it. This isn’t a flag-waving movie. It is red, white, and blue, but it just so happens that the character was created in America during wartime, when there was a common enemy, even though it is Captain America. I’ve said before in interviews, it feels more like he should just be called Captain Good. [Laughs] You know, he was created at a time when there was this undeniable evil, and this guy was kind of created to fight that evil. I think that everyone could agree that Nazis were bad, and he, Cap, just so happens to wear the red, white, and blue.”

While Evans didn’t outright call for the character’s retirement, his remarks suggest that he viewed Captain America as more of a symbol of general heroism rather than a direct representation of America itself.

His take, combined with Mackie’s comments, has led some fans to question whether Disney and Marvel even know what Captain America is supposed to stand for anymore.

Should Marvel Retire Captain America?

Given the backlash, some fans believe that if Captain America is no longer meant to represent America, then maybe it’s time to retire the character altogether. Instead of trying to redefine a hero whose identity is deeply tied to American symbolism, some argue that Disney should either create a new superhero or pass the shield to someone else entirely.

boycott disney captain america brave new world anthony mackie harrison ford marvel
Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel is already facing significant struggles with declining box office numbers and increased audience disinterest. With Brave New World expected to be one of the films to help course-correct the MCU, this controversy has only made its path to success even more difficult. Mackie has since attempted to clarify his comments, saying that he is a “proud American” and that playing Captain America is “the honor of a lifetime.” But in today’s fast-moving internet culture, where first impressions are everything, the damage may already be done.

What’s Next for Captain America?

With Captain America: Brave New World set to release in just a few weeks, the big question is whether the controversy will hurt its box office performance. Will fans still show up, or will the backlash result in another disappointing return for Marvel?

More importantly, this situation forces Disney and Marvel to address a larger issue—what does Captain America truly represent in today’s world? One thing is certain: Brave New World is now one of the most closely watched MCU films in recent memory, and its success—or failure—could have lasting consequences for the franchise.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

4 Comments

  1. Why Steve Rogers chose Sam NOT Bucky as Next Captain America…
    (1) …. Steve familiarity to Sam regarding military RESCUES/ being heroic:

    1a) … Steve Rogers performed several military rescues saving soldiers and hostages during WW2.

    Sam was an U.S military paraRESCUEmen unit (this is a real military division). This unit is also known as “Guardian Angels” in American military (yes, this is for REAL) who are the combat forces specifically organized, trained and equipped to conduct full spectrum conventional and unconventional combat RESCUE operations across during all phases of joint, coalition, and combined operations. as well as helping allies in all terrain including severely hostile situations. Basically a specializes unit performing rescues.

    This is more heroic and closer to Rogers experience than being a trained assassin like Bucky even though it was not Bucky’s intention.

    1b) … Additionally, the U.S military pararescue unit was created during WW2 which is the same time Rogers became Captain America.

    1c)… It’s also crazy amazing that the American military pararescue division are called “Guardian Angels” and Sam Wilson is literary a military pararesuemen aka a “Guardian Angel” who is now Captain America…. A Guardian Angel Captain America is awesome AF in my humble opinion.

    In FATW ep1(Falcon and Winter Soldier tv series, episode One), we see Sam doing a military pararescue mission to rescue and extract a hostage.

    (2) … Symbolic Morality:

    Although Bucky has made some progress trying to redeeming himself, he still struggles with the moral implications of his past actions as the Winter Soldier. Captain America’s mantle requires a strong moral compass, which Steve Rogers embodied and Steve saw that much more in Sam.

    (3)… Bucky’s Emotional Baggage:

    Bucky’s experiences as the Winter Soldier and his subsequent struggles with PTSD make it challenging for him to take on the responsibility of being Captain America. The weight of his past actions and the guilt he carries would be a heavy burden. Steve Rogers did want that on him and also it does NOT set him as “ready” to be the symbol for an entire nation and the world.

    (4) … Steve familiarity to Sam’s Volunteer manner:

    In Captain America 1:The First Avenger (2011), Bucky Barnes was actually AGAINST Steve Rogers joining the army. When Steve expressed his desire to enlist, Bucky tried to dissuade him, citing concerns about Steve’s physical limitations and the dangers of war but Steve still volunteered to join the army even after knowing how much of a weakling he was (before the serum). And even when he was chosen, he was told the experiment might NOT be successful but Steve still VOLUNTEERED to proceed.

    Dr. Abraham Erskine warns Steve Rogers (Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011)…. “We’ve had… problems with the serum. Unstable results. One subject grew too aggressive. Another… didn’t survive.”

    Sam Wilson is the FIRST person who is NOT connected or affiliated to SHIELD or any of the superheroes in any way to VOLUNTEER his help into active missions with Captain America and the Avengers. I repeat Sam VOLUNTEERED (Captain America 2: Winter Soldier movie 2014). Sam was NOT recruited like Nick Fury did to Tony Stark/ Ironman and he was not given command order like Nick Fury did to Black Widow for her to spy on Ironman/ Tony. Sam put his life on the line LITERALLY several times just to aid Steve.

    Dialogue between Steve and Sam (Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)….

    Sam Wilson: “You need help, Cap?”
    Steve Rogers: “I’m not asking.”
    Sam Wilson: “Didn’t think you were. When do we start?”

    Sam VOLUNTEERED the same way Steve did to join the super serum experiments and when Steve volunteered to join the army AGAINST Bucky’s advise and when Steve Volunteered to save Allied forces POWs in Captain America 1 movie 2011.

    (5)… Dialogue: Dr.Abraham Erkine to Steve Rogers (Captain America 1: First Avenger, 2011).

    Dr.Abraham Erskine= “Yeah, but… there were other… effects. The serum was not ready. But MORE IMPORTANT, THE MAN. The serum amplifies everything that is inside, so good becomes great; bad becomes worse. This is why you were CHOSEN. Because the strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows… COMPASSION.”

    Dr.Abraham Erskine= “Whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing. THAT YOU WILL STAY WHO YOU ARE, NOT A PERFECT SOLDIER BUT A GOOD MAN.”

    👆This is the criteria Abraham Erskine (creator of the serum) set as the foundation for a Captain America when he CHOSE Steve Rogers by saying being a good man is “MORE IMPORTANT” than being a “Perfect soldier” (super strength, speed, etc like Bucky) whereby the serum only amplifies the good or bad in a person but it (the serum) is not the foundational requirement that defines who or what Captain America is and should be “A GOOD MAN” first and always. Basically an unshakable moral compass, pro-ethics and champion of optimism seeking to see the good in others first over how hard he can punch or how fast he can run.

    In the source material/ comics, Sam became Captain America in 2014 (TEN YEARS AGO) and is still Captain America today.

    (6)… Steve familiarity to Sam’s bravery:

    Sam has shown bravery and resilience willing to engage physically stronger opponents like against mind tranced Bucky in CA2: Winnter Soldier movie AND in FATW tv series against terrorists who juiced up on super soldier serum AND will also face off against Red Hulk in upcoming CA4: Brave New World. The same heroic fearlessness Steve Rogers always had even BEFORE he became Captain America.

    Remember the scene when scrawny tiny Steve was being attacked by multiple bigger stronger bullies in CA1 when he said “I can do this all day.” line when he had no super soldier serum enhancement?

    Steve recognizes THAT in Sam. That courage to face off against greater opposition without any extra powers or abilities just like when Steve was still a smaller weakling (before the serum enhancement) but he never cowered against far bigger stronger bullies.

    Evidently, Sam focused his time, efforts and skills to doing good even in war he trained to RESCUE. Steve took an instant liking to Sam from the moment they met and that was BEFORE he even knew any details about Sam. Steve’s instincts were right.

    (7)… Public Perception of Bucky:

    The world’s perception of Bucky Barnes is still complex, given his past as the Winter Soldier. It would be challenging for him to gain the same level of trust and admiration as Steve Rogers, who was widely respected and admired. Sam Wilson does NOT have this problem.

    (8) … Different Values at the time of choosing:

    When Steve Rogers was making his choice, Bucky’s values and motivations are different from Steve Rogers. While Steve was driven by a strong sense of optimism, ethics, honor, and morality, Bucky’s head was guided by a desire for redemption and personal justice and frankly the brainwash coding was not yet removed in Avengers Endgame so Steve knew Bucky was NOT ready to be the next Captain America making Sam the default logical choice.

    The removal of Bucky’s brainwash coding occurred AFTER Avengers Endgame in Wakanda as shown in Falcon and Winter Soldier tv series (2021).

    (9) …. U.S Govt:

    As much as Steve Rogers embodied the role of Captain America brilliantly and excellently, the unfortunate but undeniable fact remains that….

    9a) … “Captain America” was CREATED by the govt NOT Steve who was simply chosen.

    9b) …the govt will NOT allow Bucky to be the public face of American heroism wearing the American flag and shield after being a brainwashed murderous assassin for 50 years. Yes, Bucky served in WW2 US military but his time and actions as Winter Soldier assassin is waaaaay longer than that.

    9c) …. Bucky’s assassin background background was in favor for Russian interests (aka under Russian govt control) for over 50 years doing Russian favored missions which meant against American interests.

    9d)… Sam Wilson has a clean record in the U.S military services and as an active services Avenger by Steve’s side thus meeting the merits of both ends.

    It would just be an added migraine to Bucky if Steve chose Bucky and Steve was VERY aware of this.

    (10) Insensitivity- Tony Stark:

    At the end of Endgame movie when so many were still deeply grieving the loss of Tony Stark, it would have been utterly insensitive of Steve to award his choice of Next Captain America to the Bucky…. person who murdered Tony Stark’s parents (brainwashed or not) when Bucky had not yet fully deprogrammed his brainwash assassin coding (which was wiped LATER in Falcon and The winter soldier series) and not fully redeemed himself yet at that time even though we saw him assist in the battle in Infinity War. Bucky is/ has been on his redemption arc but Endgame was too early too soon to make Bucky Captain America.

    When Steve went back in time and lived his love life with Peggy Carter gaining additional 50-60years…. That was plenty of time for Steve to consider all these these issues before making his choice to choose Sam as his successor.

    Personally, i think Steve already met Bucky first to choose him and Bucky probably …..most likely… refused due to the some of the above listed reasons. This left Sam as the only other logical choice.

  2. THIS NEW CHANGE IN CAPTAIN AMERICA CHARACTER HAS MADE A STATEMENT THAT HE SHOULD NOT REPRESENT “” AMERICA “” WHAT IS HIS PROBLEM????? Hence the NAME CAPTAIN AMERICA WHAT DOES HE WANT CAPTAIN AFRICA???? What is wrong with AMERICANS these days it’s your job and you were given a promotion and you clearly don’t want it so get FIRED PERIOD and ruin the series to prevent it from continuing

  3. I still don’t understand how they can take Falcon and just change his name to Captain America and he’s supposed to be someone different. Captain America is Steve Rogers. They should figure out a way to bring in a Steve Rogers from another part of the Multiverse. He wouldn’t have to be played by Chris Evans since he isn’t the same Steve Rogers, but he would still be Steve Rogers. I think Marvel made some mistakes in doing away with some of their characters. Probably the biggest mistake was in not recasting T’Challa. They said that they wanted to honor the memory of Chadwich Boseman, but then they ruined his legacy with that horrible Wakanda Forever movie. In the meantime, you’ve taken away from young black children the first legitimate black male superhero. Then they turnn around and give a hand me oown title to another black superhero. Why not keep the Black Panther character going or make a storyline for Falcon as “Falcon” or create a new black superhero with his own unique identity instead of what they’ve chosen to do? Theses superhero characters have existed for decades in the comics. Why can’t we keep them going in the movies as well?

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