In a recent episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan and his guests weighed in on the controversy surrounding Anthony Mackie’s comments about Captain America, sparking further debate among fans and viewers.
The discussion arose when guest Bryan Callen brought up what he described as a “PR crisis” involving Mackie, who stars in “Captain America: Brave New World.” During the conversation, Brendan Schaub expressed strong criticism of Mackie, with other participants largely concurring with his viewpoint.
Rogan suggested that actors sometimes make statements “to keep working,” while the group speculated about potential impacts on the movie’s performance, suggesting that Mackie’s comments might affect audience reception.
The controversy stemmed from Mackie’s promotional interview where he stated, “To me 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.”
Rogan reacted to the controversy deflecting: ‘Isn’t it weird they have to say stuff like that to keep working?’
These comments were widely circulated and frequently taken out of context, leading to significant backlash. The situation prompted Mackie to clarify his position on Instagram, writing, “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American, and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime. I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”
Despite the initial controversy, “Captain America: Brave New World” has been released to theaters, with reports suggesting that many initial skeptics have become supporters of Mackie’s portrayal. While Rogan and his guests maintained their critical stance, the movie’s reception may influence future discussions on their platform.
The debate highlights the complex relationship between actor statements during promotional periods and public reception, particularly when involving iconic characters like Captain America.
