January 31, 2025: Actor Anthony Mackie recently opened up about finding peace after relocating from Hollywood to his hometown in New Orleans. In an interview with Esquire, as reported by People, the actor shared how moving back to New Orleans in 2008 had a transformative effect on his life and career. He realized that the slower pace and distance from the business allowed him to find balance and gave him the confidence to bring a more genuine humanity to his roles.
Mackie, who will soon be seen in Captain America: Brave New World, mentioned that the move slowed his career but ultimately enriched his acting, offering him peace of mind. It also allowed him to bring his work home—both his 2023 Netflix thriller We Have a Ghost and the Peacock series Twisted Metal were shot in New Orleans.
However, Mackie recently found himself at the center of a controversy after comments he made while promoting Captain America: Brave New World in Italy went viral. He spoke about Captain America’s connection to America, suggesting that the character’s values—honor, integrity, and dependability—are universal and not tied to any specific nation. This led to backlash from fans who felt Mackie was distancing the character from American ideals.
In response to the controversy, Mackie clarified his comments on social media, emphasizing his pride in being an American and his respect for those who serve the country. He reiterated that Captain America’s values are global and transcend national boundaries. Mackie will take on the iconic shield in Captain America: Brave New World, which marks the first film in the franchise since Avengers: Endgame (2019), where Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers passed the mantle to Mackie’s Sam Wilson.
Mackie’s portrayal of Sam Wilson in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier further solidified his role in the MCU, and his upcoming film is set to continue this journey.