The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday doesn’t arrive until the tail end of the year, but the marketing campaign is already underway. Marvel Studios has been releasing teaser trailers that debut in theaters before subsequently being released online. The first teaser confirmed something that had long been rumored – the return of Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers. There’s a lot of excitement (and some skepticism) surrounding the homecoming of the OG Captain America and, all the while, I can’t help but be concerned about Sam Wilson.

Why I’m Worried About Sam Wilson Amid Steve Rogers’ Imminent Return

During the closing moments of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, an elderly Steve Rogers handed over his shield to Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson and dubbed him the Sentinel of Liberty. Wilson would fully embrace that role in 2021’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and continue to perform his duties in last year’s Captain America: Brave New World. Marvel Studios did a lot to emphasize that Sam was indeed the new Cap but, given recent events, he now seems to be in an awkward position within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A lot is already being made of the fact that Steve is back in the picture, and I’m nervous that it means Sam might get pushed back to the sidelines a bit because of his predecessor’s re-emergence. Based on the Steve teaser, Rogers still has his costume, and it’s likely he’ll be suiting up at some point. It’s, of course, a given that Sam will be doing the same but, what happens when both heroes reach for that red, white and blue shield?

It’s rumored that Steve is going to have a big role in Doomsday, and I’m tempted to believe that, considering how he’s been propped up thus far. While I already have mixed feelings about Steve’s return, something I’m firm on is that I’d hate to see Sam be short-changed due to Rogers’ presence. What also doesn’t feel so encouraging is the fact that even Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige told Collider and more that Brave New World underperformed in great part because “It was the first [Cap movie] without Chris Evans.”

Why I’m Still Trying To Remain Optimistic About Sam’s Role In Doomsday

There are two additional points I want to be clear about, with one being that I am a big fan of Steve Rogers (even if I’m mixed on his return). My second point is that I’m trying not to be too doom-and-gloom, as there’s still certainly a good chance Sam will have a substantial role. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo have a knack for handling ensembles, and that talent has shown through in some of the highest ranked Marvel movies.

Of course, a lot of the specifics on Doomsday are being kept under wraps, though it’s known that the film will see the Avengers, the New Avengers, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four fight to stop Doctor Doom. As for Sam Wilson specifically, Brave New World ended with him resolving to bring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes back together, and it’s also revealed in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene that he’s suing the New Avengers for trademark infringement.

So, on paper, Sam is in a position to play a big role in this team-up movie, but Steve’s reappearance seemingly muddies up the narrative waters a bit. Until I see the film, I’ll be trying my best to hold onto the belief that Sam will get his moment to shine as a leader ready to lead a team into battle against a major foe. And, considering Wilson’s journey, that feels like the natural progression for his character arc.

Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18 as part of the 2026 movie schedule. In the meantime, stream past MCU movies and shows using a Disney+ subscription.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a well-oiled machine, one that's constantly putting out new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie is Avengers: Doomsday, which is expected to be a massive multiversal story. Some epic fan art sees Chris Evans back as Steve Rogers, and leading his fellow Captain Americas Peggy Carter and Sam Wilson. Not going to lie, now I want to see this crossover happen.

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, so fans are filling in the blanks with rumors, theories, and viral fan art. Case in point: the following image from Instagram, which sees the MCU's three Captains sharing the screen together. Check it out below:

I mean, how cool is that? While Steve Rogers is the OG Cap, a few other character have taken on the mantle, both in the Sacred Timeline and the multiverse. The idea of seeing the three shielded heroes fighting alongside each other is thrilling, although whether or not it's actually going to happen is anyone's guess.

The Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement confirmed a ton of characters including Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson. The same can't be said for the other two in this image, although there were reports that Chris Evans might be back. For his part, Evans claimed he wasn't going to appear... but some fans don't necessarily believe him. After all, Marvel stars are expected to lie to protect fans from spoilers.

As for Hayley Atwell, fans who have watched the Marvel movies in order will recall her penchant for showing up in surprise cameos throughout the years. That includes her brief but memorable appearance as Captain Carter in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Since Atwell took umbrage with being killed off in that blockbuster, perhaps she'd like another chance to play a Super Soldier in Avengers: Doomsday.

Of course, this is all just fan theories for now. Marvel has been keeping its cards close to the chest regarding Doomsday, which seemingly wrapped principal photography recently. Hopefully this means we'll get more information sooner rather than later, as fans are definitely curious about what The Russo Brothers have up their sleeves for the blockbuster.

Entire teams of superheroes are expected to collide in the Doomsday movie, and it should be interesting to see how exactly they interact. That includes The Avengers (presumably led by Sam Wilson), The Thunderbolts aka New Avengers, The Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. There are countless questions about how this will go down, and how the MCU as a whole might be influenced.

All will be revealed when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18th of next year as part of the 2026 movie release list. If/how Evans appears remains to be seen, but fans would definitely love to see the OG Cap return.

It’s hard to overstate just how big Anthony Mackie’s career is right now. Following the release of Captain America: Brave New World on the 2025 movie calendar, he's currently starring in Twisted Metal Season 2, which has garnered some solid reviews from critics. Then, on top of all that, he’s also shooting the biggest upcoming Marvel movie in years. However, forget all of that, because people really just want to talk about how he was pictured making out with a mystery woman.

Captain America Gets Steamy With A Blonde On The Streets Of London

The MCU’s Avengers: Doomsday is filming in London right now and coming to theaters in 2026. Anthony Mackie, however, seems to be mixing a little pleasure into his business trip, as someone sent photos to Deuxmoi of the Captain America portrayer engaged in a pretty heavy makeout session.

The identity of the woman in the photos is unknown, but the actor had both hands full, if you know what I mean, as he was pictured squeezing her bottom as the two locked lips outside of an establishment on the streets of London. His lady wore a white tiered minidress with black boots, and Anthony Mackie wore black pants and a black jacket with a white tee underneath.

In some of the photos, he sported a goofy grin, as he and the mystery blonde kissed like no one was watching.

Anthony Mackie stays generally quiet about his love life, but in February, he told People that he was single and found dating “hard” as a famous person, because you can’t tell who you can trust. The actor — who will also likely star in the upcoming superhero movie Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027 — was previously married to his childhood sweetheart, Sheletta Chapital, from 2014 to 2018, with whom he shares four sons.

Avengers: Doomsday Continues Filming Ahead Of 2026 Release

There’s no way to know if this public PDA session was a one-time thing or perhaps something more serious, but if it is the latter, it sounds like they'll have plenty of time to spend together. Filming for Doomsday kicked off in April, and Anthony Mackie provided an update in July, giving an emphatic, “Hell no,” when asked if they were almost finished.

While not much is known about the plot of Avengers: Doomsday, it’s safe to say it’s going to be a huge chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Avengers movies always hold big stakes for its superheroes, and the Doomsday cast is especially large even by those standards, with entire teams, including the Thunderbolts (aka New Avengers), The Fantastic Four and the X-Men, set to make appearances.

Both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars are expected to lean heavily into the multiverse. And while we don’t know exactly how all of the stories will come together, Anthony Mackie teased that Doomsday will have a cliffhanger ending that sets up “the continuation of the Marvel saga.”

Fans of the MCU should also be prepared for anything to happen, because the Captain America actor warned that “No one is safe. Everyone is expendable.” The thought of more tragic losses is pretty concerning, but we’ve still got a while before we really have to start worrying. Until then, many people are biding their time by theorizing about what may be happening in the star’s life when the cameras aren’t rolling.

Will we see more of Anthony Mackie and this mystery woman? Only time will tell, but as we wait, it's a good time to get caught up on all things MCU by watching the Marvel movies in order with a Disney+ subscription. You can also catch Mackie on Twisted Metal, with new episodes premiering each Thursday with a Peacock subscription.

There were few shows on the 2025 TV schedule I was looking forward to watching more than Twisted Metal Season 2 with my Peacock subscription. The latest installment in a damn good video game adaptation has everything I loved about the first season (and game on which it is based) and then some. This is especially true for Anthony Mackie’s John Doe, the hilarious, crafty, and deadly everyman hero of the series, even more so after watching him in Captain America: Brave New World earlier this year.

The truth is, I can’t get enough of the “Milk Man,” his comedic timing, the way he handles himself in a fight and vehicular combat, and pretty much everything else about Mackie’s dynamic character.

I'm Not Saying Sam Wilson Is Boring, But Captain America: Brave New World Wasn't Exactly Fun

Though Captain America: Brave New World was one of the highlights of the MCU’s Phase Five, it wasn’t necessarily a fun movie, which didn’t really allow Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson to shine like his character on Twisted Metal.

The new Cap does have some funny quips, was charming, and makes for a good hero, but at times it felt like Mackie was either holding back or being told to tone it down, which is a shame, considering he’s a great comedic actor and the character has been so much fun to watch over the years. I get it, as random ‘90s pop culture references, an obsession with The Baby-Sitter’s Club books, and puns don’t really work in a dramatic superhero flick paying homage to ‘70s political thrillers.

Twisted Metal's Ridiculousness Brings Out The Best In Anthony Mackie's Comedy And Action Skills

What’s so great about Twisted Metal is that its utterly bonkers tone allows Mackie to show off his incredible action skills while also giving him the opportunity to cut loose, have some fun, and say/do some ridiculous stuff in each episode. I’m only five episodes into the second season (all that has been released up to the point of this writing), but I already have a hefty list of hilarious moments involving John Doe so far:

• John starting a “John Dough” pizza delivery service
• John Doe freaking out when he can’t find Book #89 of the Baby-Sitter’s Club
• John still being obsessed with the books when his sister tries to reconnect
• John and Quiet crawling on the floor during the orgy
• John recreating THAT Entrapment scene in the laser hallway

Now That The Tournament Is Underway, I Can't Wait To See Where John Doe Takes Us

Before Twisted Metal first premiered in 2023, I had a list of things I wanted to see in the adaptation. Though a lot of those didn’t happen in the first season, it’s a completely different story this time around, including the actual Twisted Metal tournament itself. I had long dreamed of seeing the vehicular combat of those classic PlayStation games on the TV show, and the fifth episode of Season 2 gave me just that after it was teased in the Twisted Metal trailer.

Now that Calypso has gathered deadly, unique, and truly bizarre drivers from around the country to take part in his tournament, I cannot wait to see where John Doe goes on this journey. Those who’ve played the games know that the maniacal tournament founder can’t be trusted with those wishes, so anything could happen with John if he wins…

You can watch Twisted Metal on Peacock right now, and new episodes will drop in chunks weekly through the end of August. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a third or fourth season pop up on the list of upcoming video game movies and shows in the near future.

Many were heavily affected by the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Since Warner’s passing, fans have penned sweet tributes in his memory. Fellow celebrities who were fortunate enough to know Warner have also shared their recollections of him. Anthony Mackie is now one of the latest actors to reflect on their relationship with the former child actor. While discussing Warner, Mackie expressed nothing but pride over his late “friend.”

On numerous occasions, Anthony Mackie has discussed the various stars he’s crossed paths with over the course of his career. Sometimes those sentiments manifest as jokey anecdotes or even stories about legitimate guidance. Mackie (who’s been promoting his 2025 TV schedule entry, Twisted Metal Season 2) was sentimental while discussing Malcolm-Jamal Warner. As much as Warner’s stellar work remains acclaimed by audiences, Mackie is just “proud” to have been able to know him as a person:

Personally, I can’t help but wish I could’ve been a fly on the wall during any of those conversations. What I imagine is the two actor friends discussing not just the craft but life as well. The longtime Marvel Cinematic Universe star went on to share additional thoughts about his buddy while speaking with People. Based on his comments, he didn’t take any of their personal chats for granted whenever they unfolded:

The outpouring of love for Malcolm-Jamal Warner from Anthony Mackie and other actors has been incredibly sweet to see. Angela Bassett and Tracee Ellis Ross paid tribute, as they not only knew Warner but were able to work with him as well. TV host Sherri Shepard also expressed sadness of Warner’s passing. Several members of The Cosby Show’s cast also reached out, with Bill Cosby, Geoffrey Owens, Raven-Symoné and Keshia Knight Pulliam being among those to honor Warner following his death.

According to reports, the Warner family was on vacation in Costa Rica when Malcolm accidentally drowned while swimming at Playa Cocles. The doctor who tried to save Warner has since spoken out, and it’s been reported that medics tried to revive him on the scene but to no avail. It’s also been said that the Resident alum’s daughter was pulled out of the water by a surfer and taken to safety.

Malcolm Jamal-Warner leaves behind far more than an excellent body of work that will surely be enjoyed for generations to come. He also leaves behind family and friends who were fortunate enough to be in his presence during his time on Earth. We’d all be wise to take a cue from Anthony Mackie and appreciate the time we have with the people we care about while they’re here.

If you feel like you’ve seen everything the best streaming services have to offer, buckle up, because you haven't. August is kicking off with a variety of new streaming releases on the 2025 TV schedule, which means you can spend the weekend exploring new worlds like 18th-century Hawaii, a post-apocalyptic wasteland, and even Oxford. In other words, you can watch the premieres of Anthony Mackie's Twisted Metal Season 2, Jason Momoa's Chief of War, and the new Netflix romance My Oxford Year.

So, as we try to figure out what to watch first, here's what the critics are saying about these new projects.

Twisted Metal's Season 2 Levels Up With A 92% On Rotten Tomatoes

I can't lie, 2023 was seriously the best year for video game adaptations with hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Last of Us. But, we can’t leave out Peacock’s adaptation of Twisted Metal, which is about an amnesic milkman who’s sent to deliver a mysterious package across the post-apocalyptic Wasteland. It rocked back then, and now it's back to rock harder with Season 2.

While its first season had a fine opening of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 has proven to be a major success with a 92% Critics and Audience score. Brian Tallerico’s review for Roger Ebert noted that it felt like everything went up a notch, sure to provide greater satisfaction for longtime fans and new ones:

Based on Brian Tallerico’s claims of Season 2 having “more action, personality, character development, and effective humor,” these are the ingredients that make a perfect sequel worth watching.

You’re always hoping a show’s second take is willing to take risks and improve on everything that came before to keep audiences hooked. CBR’s Joshua M. Patton agrees that Season 2 brings new improvements to its characters, which helps add emotional stakes to this crazy story:

Indeed, you do need to feel for your characters to care about their fates. As the first season’s finale introduced the concept of the deadly tournament John Doe competes in, Season 2 looks to raise the stakes that the previous season presented.

So, you better believe it's worth tuning into it with your Peacock subscription.

Chief of War Is A Visual Spectacle With a Deep Dedication to Hawaiian Authenticity

Chief of War (which is streaming with an Apple TV+ subscription) takes streamers to the 18th century, where Jason Momoa plays warrior chief Ka’iana, who is rebelling against the unification of Hawaiʻi. As the Aquaman actor co-created the show and incorporated Pacific Islander representation in its cast, crew, and location, Kelly Lawler’s review for USA Today explained how much she loved the show’s use of grand storytelling scale as it shined a spotlight on key moments in Hawaiian history:

It’s about time that Hawaiian history got a big-budget treatment in mainstream streaming. Clearly, Chief of War is a passion project for Jason Momoa, who made sure his ancestors were portrayed in a glowing light. Aramide Tinubu’s review for Variety praised the historical drama series for allowing audiences to learn about Hawaiian history they’ve never seen on screen before:

It’s amazing to know that Chief of War uses character-driven narratives and grand visuals to not only bring Hawaiian history to life but also deeply resonate with it. With slo-mo running scenes and a volcano erupting mid-shoot, we're in for a remarkable ride with this show.

My Oxford Year May Be a Mixed Bag, But It Still Makes For An Entertaining Watch

The 2025 Netflix release of My Oxford Year stars Sofia Carson as Anna, who experiences a life-changing trip to Oxford after meeting a charming local there. Archi Sengupta's review for LeisureByte explained that while she thought the rom-com film presented itself with a “generic” plot, it still had a positive takeaway that made the book adaptation worth watching:

Rom-coms do tend to follow familiar plots. But if each star can bring their A-game, you know you’re in for a good time.

Brandon Yu wrote a harsher review for The New York Times, calling the movie “joyless,” but he still liked its unpredictability thanks to its plot twist:

Adapted from the novel by Julia Whelan, 'My Oxford Year' may quickly fall prey to this trap, but it has the benefit of having a trick up its sleeve, switching from one genre trope to another halfway through. The halfhearted execution remains, though.

Listen, it's normal for romance movies like this one to be a mixed bag review-wise. So, you can draw your own conclusions about My Oxford Year with a Netflix subscription.

Personally, I always find it refreshing when a rom-com flips the script. Audiences will be kept on their toes, and the emotional payoff will surely hit harder. So, I'll for sure be checking this film out.

Based on the reviews of each new streaming release, it looks like I have a date with my couch this weekend. Season 2 of Twisted Metal is expected to take me on a wild ride. Chief of War will time-travel me to 18th-century Hawaii. Meanwhile, My Oxford Year should hit me with some romantic vibes. So, with all that considered, I think I'm going with Chief of War first since I love historical dramas and visual masterpieces.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched the first episode of Twisted Metal’s second season with a Peacock subscription, so be warned!

The tournament is coming, drivers! Now that Twisted Metal Season 2 has finally arrived on the 2025 TV schedule, it’s time for Anthony Mackie’s John Doe to get serious. Wait, no, that would probably go against the entire concept of the loosely connected video game adaptation. Though in the very first episode, John does get serious about reading through a bunch of Baby-Sitters Club novels, and while it might have started out as desperation, it seemingly became a true obsession.

When I talked to showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith ahead of the big Season 2 premiere, I had to ask about that unexpected cameo from Ann M. Martin’s beloved novels for teens and tweens. As seen in the video above, here’s what he told me inspired that reference from a personal level:

Awww, gotta love that The Baby-Sitters Club had such a key connection point for Smith that he felt the urge to bring it into the wonky remnants of pop culture in Twisted Metal. And that John went through a pretty specific panic at the thought of continuing to read through the series despite one book being missing. Just when you think it’ll be non-important, that’s when whole new characters come into play.

Smith continued, saying he wanted that to be a familial nexus for John and his sister rekindling their relationship. In his words:

People love the book series enough that it became a critically acclaimed live-action Netflix series years ago, though it made for one of the more disappointing cancellations in 2022 when the streaming service pulled the plug. Sadly, attempts to further the show went unfulfilled as well.

One has to wonder if John Doe would have been as invested in the TV series as he was in the novels. I have to think he’d have made himself just as comfortable on the couch with his feet swinging behind him. And that dichotomy between the two is part of the fun for the showrunner, who continued:

I wonder if John could talk Sweet Tooth and Stu into spending an afternoon speed-reading through a bunch of Baby-Sitters Club books instead of murdering anyone with a deadlier reputation. Probably not. Sweet Tooth would likely just burn all the books eventually anyway.

Find out if John Doe will ever finish the series — could he even stand the little sisters? — when Twisted Metal Season 2 drops new episodes on Thursdays on Peacock.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a well-oiled machine, one consistently putting out new projects in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies is Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently in the mist of production across the pond. Anthony Mackie recently shared an update about filming including talk about... sheep?

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, but since filming is underway that project has never felt more real. The cast of Doomsday is huge, and includes the return of of Mackie as Captain America. In an interview with ScreenRant he was asked if filming was almost done, to which he said:

While he was careful not to actually reveal any critical information, this comment from Mackie will likely help buoy excitement for Doomsday. Exactly what The Russo Brothers have up their sleeves is a total mystery, but there are entire teams of heroes that are expected to collide in the blockbuster. So who knows who Mackie's Sam Wilson gets to interact with?

The scale of this crossover eventis expected to be huge, so it makes sense that it'll take a long time to get in the can. Filming for Doomsday began back in April, and The Russo Brothers aren't filming two Avengers movies back to back this time. Instead, the first movie is getting its own shoot, followed by Secret Wars.

Later in that same interview, Anthony Mackie spoke more about what it's been like filming Doomsday in London. He offered:

While plenty of Americans likely experience a culture shock when spending time at London, I didn't expect sheep to be what stuck out to Anthony Mackie the most. Also... did he somehow expect London to NOT be very British?

As previously mentioned, there are a ton of heroes expected to appear in Doomsday... even by Avengers standards. Earth's Mightiest Heroes will be appearing alongside the Thunderbolts aka New Avengers, The Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. Exactly how this all comes together is a mystery to fans, but just about anything is possible with the multiverse at play.

Avengers: Doomsday is currently expected to arrive in theaters on December 18th of next year as part of the 2026 movie release list. We'll just have to see if any sheep manage to sneak into the movie.

Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday is still over a year away and, in the meantime, the upcoming superhero movie remains in production. With that, plenty of big stars have been on set, including Captain America actor Anthony Mackie. It goes without saying that, at this point, Mackie has more than enough experience being on massive sets and knows how to operate on them. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that I’m impressed by how he used a pizza bribe as a means to sneak his way into Robert Downey Jr.’s on-set “base camp.”

For the past few months, Doomsday has been in production in London, where the enormous Avengers cast has been putting in work and being treated to amenities. Robert Downey Jr., in particular, seems to have a very sweet deal. Not only is Downey reportedly receiving a hefty paycheck, but he also apparently has other perks, including a massive trailer setup complete with a security detail. Anthony Mackie, for his part, became relatively chummy with one member of that team when Downey had a pizza truck on set:

Honestly, that’s a kind gesture for the Twisted Metal star. Also, there’s a bit of humorous irony in that during the second season of that aforementioned streaming show, Anthony Mackie’s character temporarily delivers pizzas under the alias “John Dough.” It does seem that Mackie was indeed trying to be friendly when sharing that slice of pizza with the security guard. However, as Mackie shared on the Smartless Podcast, that his kinship with the security guy came in handy when he wanted to snag something else days later:

As the fan-favorite actor went on to say, “it’s who you know,” and I certainly don’t disagree with that sentiment. There is power in making friends in different places, of course. Now, I wouldn’t say that the Electric State star was simply trying to use the security team member, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he was aware of the possible benefits of befriending him. What I want to know now is how RDJ reacted when he discovered that his ice was all gone.

Behind-the-scenes stories like these are funny, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe fan in me is also curious as to what lies ahead in Avengers: Doomsday. The brief synopsis that’s been shared teases that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will join forces with the Fantastic Four, the Wakandans, the OG X-Men and the New Avengers to take on Doctor Doom, who’s played by Robert Downey Jr. Anthony Mackie hasn’t spoiled anything, but he did drop a big hint about where the movie’s going.

It remains unclear as to exactly how much longer filming on the next Avengers movie is set to last. However longer it goes, though, I’d imagine that the cast will continue to be taken care of. Or, if there are other stars who think like Anthony Mackie, they may also be thinking up ways to pilfer goodies from Camp Downey. While production continues, know that Doomsday hits theaters on December 18, 2026 and that fans can stream various MCU films on Disney+.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is constantly expanding, with new projects arriving in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Without a doubt, the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie coming down the line is Avengers: Doomsday, especially with Robert Downey Jr. returning in the process. Anthony Mackie didn't spoil that title, but he did tease its story (and cliffhanger ending).

What we know about Avengers: Doomsday is limited, as the studio is trying to guard its secrets as production continues. Rumors are already swirling about the blockbuster, especially from fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order. Mackie spoke to Collider about that title, and he shared some vague but thrilling teases. As he put it:

I'm definitely intrigued. With The Russo Brothers back as directors of the next two Avengers movies, it sounds like we are once again going to get a wild, expansive story. They snapped half of the world out of existence (and back to life) the last time they helmed MCU movies, so we know they're willing to take risks and kill off beloved characters.

Doomsday and Secret Wars are expected to lean heavily into the concept of the Multiverse, especially with RDJ potentially playing an evil variant of Tony Stark. Narratively, it feels like just about anything could happen, including more big character deaths. In the same interview, Mackie teased more losses, offering:

Gulp. This definitely feels like a tease of things to come, and I have to wonder which beloved heroes might end up dying in Doomsday and beyond. Mackie's comments make it seem like even major characters could perish when Doctor Doom begins his villainous plot.

But exactly who might Mackie be referencing? I think one strong possibility might be Chris Hemsworth's Thor. Most of the OG Avengers are gone at this point, and he was the first actor to get a fourth solo movie with Love and Thunder. And it would make sense if the 41-year-old actor finally wants to wrap up his tenure as the God of Thunder. I also wouldn't be surprised if we lost a member of The New Avengers, aka Thunderbolts... especially after its deep emotional story.

All will be revealed (including that cliffhanger) when Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18th, 2026. But the next MCU movie hitting theaters is The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25th as part of the 2025 movie release list.

It’s official: the 2025 movie release Captain America: Brave New World is streamable for anyone with a Disney+ subscription! Amid buzz over this digital drop, of the most heartwarming reactions came from the film's lead, Anthony Mackie, who took a moment to reflect on the journey that led him to carry the shield. The actor, who will be in at least of couple of upcoming Marvel movies as Sam Wilson/Cap, shared a touching message alongside a series of behind-the-scenes, black-and-white photos.

In a post shared to his Instagram, Mackie opened up about what the moment means to him. “Amazing to think about Captain America being on Disney+ now,” he wrote. “It was such a great journey, filled with love and support from family and Marvel crew." The post’s caption, which you can read embedded below, also references poet Langston Hughes, underscoring the significance of the moment for the 8 Mile alum and many fans who have followed his transformation from Falcon to full-blown Captain America. Check out the post:

Mackie's post shows a series of four black-and-white pics that really hit you in the feels. The first one features the Falcon and the Winter Soldier star facing off with Harrison Ford, his co-star from Brave New World and a total Hollywood legend. The second and fourth shots are more low-key, with Mackie alone, deep in thought—they definitely have a vibe. Of course, then there’s the hug: in the third pic, David Harbour, a.k.a. the Red Guardian from Thunderbolts*/New Avengers, is all smiles as he gives Mackie a big embrace.

Fans and critics had mixed opinions about Brave New World. However, Anthony Mackie's transition to Captain America represents more than just a career milestone—it is a significant cultural achievement. He is the first Black actor to lead a Captain America film, and it’s exciting to see him so thrilled that his hard work and this historic moment have arrived on the streaming platform for MCU fans to enjoy. It's also worth mentioning that even amid the mixed reviews, Mackie's performance was mostly well received.

All in all, the behind-the-scenes photos represent a sweet treat for fans, showing the more intimate moments that occurred on the set of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. While headlining Brave New World was a dream come true for Anthony Mackie, the dream that continues. Mackie is one of the many stars headlining Avengers (and whose chair we did see), as Sam is set to return set to battle it out in the Russo Brothers’ Doomsday.

True to his style, Mackie has already shared some fun behind-the-scenes shots, like his plane ride to London to kick off filming for the highly anticipated upcoming superhero movie. And, of course, he was rocking a Powerpuff Girls shirt.

While fans wait for Anthony Mackie's next Marvel gig, they can dive into his first solo outing with the shield. Captain America: Brave New World is finally available for home viewing, and it’s a perfect way to get hyped for Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to assemble on December 18, 2026.

Critics praised Thunderbolts* (or The New Avengers), and I’m a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe-set flick as well. As fun as this particular 2025 movie schedule entry is though, what I’ve really enjoyed is the press tour, during which the stellar cast has been sharing fun, BTS secrets. That habit of divulging tidbits was even exercised by Sebastian Stan at the film’s red carpet premiere, as he called out colleague David Harbour’s “nut” obsession. And, believe it or not, this isn’t the first time an MCU star has referenced a co-star’s love of nuts.

It’s not out of the ordinary for actors to field fun questions at a movie premiere, but I’m not sure who could’ve predicted that nuts would come up on the Thunderbolts* red carpet. Sebastian Stan – who plays Bucky Barnes in the movie – was asked about secret fun moments from the set. In the video, which was shared to Instagram by Marvel Studios, Stan recalled Alexei Shostakov actor David Harbour apparently stuffing cashews and almonds into his costume. Separately, Harbour humorously addressed his “addiction”:

Can we blame the actor for being so big on nuts, though? As he said, they provide protein, and I know that I occasionally enjoy some good salted peanuts. I can honestly relate to the Stranger Things actor in regard to having an “addition” of some sort to a certain kind of food. (I may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with Sour Patch Kids, but that’s a conversation for another day.)

As a whole, this discussion over nuts is just another keen example of the camaraderie that appears to exist amongst the Thunderbolts* cast. It’s been particularly enjoyable for me to watch David Harbour and the “cranky and handsome” Sebastian Stan mix it up over the past several weeks. Ironically, I actually wanted their newest MCU film to further explore the relationship between their characters. I’m not sure that’ll happen in upcoming Marvel movies but, at the very least, I’m glad the actors themselves have such a jokey relationship.

It’s really funny how things work out because, several years ago, Anthony Mackie (lightly) called out Sebastian Stan, in a way. The always-jovial Mackie provided a bit of advice for David Harbour in regard to working with Sebastian Stan. Mackie surmised that in order to get in good with a “nice” guy like Stan, you give him “some almond butter” and then chat with him a bit. The irony of a situation like this coming back around is certainly nutty. (I’m sorry, the pun was right there, and I had to go for it.)

All three of the aforementioned actors are all a part of the much-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to open in theaters in 2026. Of course, at this point, it’s unclear just how much the trio will work together amid production on the massive blockbuster. However, there’s a firm chance they could share some very funny moments during the eventual press tour. Oh, the funny secrets that are sure to get spilled then.

I wouldn’t be surprised if David Harbour’s nut addiction or Sebastian Stan’s apparent fondness for almond butter come back into play at some point. And, even if that doesn’t happen, I still chuckle at the thought of the two actors chopping up about any humorous topic while promoting an upcoming movie together.

Check out Thunderbolts*, which is playing in theaters nationwide now. Also, grab a Disney+ subscription to stream various MCU movies and TV shows.

Making his cinematic debut as the new Captain America, Anthony Mackie has landed the first step towards his Marvel future on the 2025 movie schedule. As we see Captain America: Brave New World’s home release introducing the film to an even wider audience, reactions will continue to show us what the crowd at large thinks about this latest chapter in the MCU. And while previous Cap Chris Evans missed the big premiere of Mr. Mackie’s super-epic, he took time to check out his friend’s work, leaving him with some short but sweet feedback.

During an E! News’ interview to promote his latest movie Sneaks, Anthony Mackie addressed the subject of how his Avengers: Endgame co-star felt about the fourth installment of the stand-alone series he helped start. But as both men are pretty busy these days, what you’re about to read below isn’t too lengthy:

Friendships can be weird like that sometimes, especially when you’re trying to tie up all loose ends before a rumored Avengers: Doomsday reunion. And I’ll admit, this supposed lack of comms does kind of back Chris Evans’ denial of an MCU return as nothing but rumors.

Surely at this point, with next summer’s gigantic event film currently in production, they’d be talking like the old days. Though considering director Julius Onah’s Marvel sequel isn’t yet available through a Disney+ subscription, it does speak volumes that The Grey Man vet sought out his battle buddy’s grand debut.

At the very least, we do know that Avengers: Doomsday’s cast announcement confirmed Anthony Mackie as being part of this 2026 event picture. And since we know that Danny “The Falcon” Ramirez is going to be in that picture as well, it’s not like Sam Wilson won’t have someone to play against in this splash panel entry in the roster of upcoming Marvel movies.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Evans appears towards the end of Doomsday, with a larger role in 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Should that theory hold, the Red One star won’t be needed on set until later down the line, thanks to Doomsday and Secret Wars’ intended production gap.

That could mean that much like Chris Evans’ clandestine Avengers: Endgame reveal to Anthony Mackie, Mr. Mackie will return the favor by letting his former scene partner know that he’ll be on his left again real soon - if he hasn't already. Maybe with two Caps on set, there’ll be more time to discuss the ins and outs of how Brave New World truly hit for the Star Spangled Man with the plan.

Here at CinemaBlend, it feels like we’ve been covering just about every Marvel movie in order over the years. When we look back, there’s actually been so many hilarious moments that have happened during our exclusive interviews, especially ones that we file under the chaotic good category.

Before I get into some of our favorite moments more in depth, check out this amazing compilation our video team put together that sums up every time the Marvel’s Avengers were “absolutely unhinged.”

The MCU often delivers serious superhero movies, but this video proves how hilarious this massive cast can really be. Let’s delve into the context of some of these a bit more now…

Tom Holland Asking Jacob Batalon To Do The Iconic Spider-Man Kiss Scene Was Too Good

It should, of course, be noted that a lot of times when we conduct these interviews for Marvel movies, it’s one of the few instances where we don’t get to see the whole movie. So we have to be a lot more creative than usual, and so does the talent.

One hilarious moment at the Spider-Man: No Way Home junket was when Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon and Zendaya were asked about which scene from other great Spider-Man movies they would want to recreate and Holland said he wanted to do the upside down kiss scene with Batalan. This led Zendaya to quip this as the boys held hands and walked away:

This moment is especially funny because we all know its Holland and Zendaya who are the ones who are together between the three of them. We can’t wait for this trio to hopefully be back together for the upcoming Spider-Man 4 movie.

That Time James Gunn Called Out Chris Pratt For Eating Oatmeal

Another highlight from the video we can’t not talk about is Chris Pratt straight up eating oatmeal while talking to us about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with writer/director James Gunn. Thank goodness Gunn called out Pratt because we weren’t going to. Plus, it just shows how close the pair are. You can check out us playing trivia with them on YouTube!

We’ll Never Forget The Time We Gave The Avengers An Infinity Gauntlet

The clip also features a lot of moments from the time we brought an Infinity Gauntlet to the Avengers: Infinity War press junket back in 2018, and it was the best mistake ever. Anthony Mackie, in particular, could not stop playing around with it, whether it was raising up the bird or leaning his head on it. Cumberbatch also had too much fun with the whole thing.

Or When Ryan Reynolds Claimed His Career Was Ruined In A Single Interview

Our last memorable go-around on the Marvel movie front was for Deadpool & Wolverine when we had Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman I.D. their real-life variants via old photos of them from throughout the years. Seeing their reactions was just priceless!

Watching this back definitely has us excited for all the upcoming Marvel movies in the future we’ll see and do interviews for. Stick with us here on CinemaBlend for more Marvel news and interviews! We’re huge nerds for the cinematic universe, so we’re always talking about it.

There are a slew of upcoming Marvel movies in the works, but none are probably quite as anticipated as the Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday. One of the headlining Avengers (whose chair we did see), Anthony Mackie, is headed to London to start filming the next adventure of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” and he just reminded the world that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and yes, animated forms too. The Twisted Metal actor was spotted wearing a Powerpuff Girls T-shirt, and I love seeing these fandoms collide!

The Captain America: Brave New World star took to his official Instagram Stories (@anthonymackie), posting a selfie with the caption “And so it begins…” while wearing a Powerpuff Girls T-shirt and sitting aboard what appears to be a flight en route to filming. The image, now making the rounds on social media, is splattered with dramatic red filter effects, as if Mojo Jojo himself got hold of a bucket of stage blood.

While the blood-spatter filter may nod to the serious tone fans expect from Doomsday, the T-shirt suggests Mackie hasn’t lost his sense of fun or whimsy. (Let’s be honest, if anyone could take down Doom, I'd put money on Sam Wilson with the Powerpuff Girls backing him up.)

The 8 Mile alum looks super chill and ready to lead Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as he heads to London, rocking Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup like a true '90s kid. It's the kind of outfit that screams: "I can wield the shield and still vibe with some classic cartoon chaos."

The Russos have to be pretty strategic when it comes to keeping track of all the heroes lined up for Avengers 5 and 6, but don't worry, this isn't an announcement about those girls popping up in a wild crossover or getting their own 2025 movie release. That said, I wouldn’t totally be against it! Just picture the awesome mix of MCU vibes and Cartoon Network nostalgia.

We might not get a crossover with the tiny heroes from Townsville, but we're finally landing that X-Men crossover we've all been waiting for! Anthony Mackie is pumped about teaming up with Cyclops and Nightcrawler. The cool news for the former Falcon and fans is that both Cyclops and Nightcrawler are confirmed for Doomsday, with Sonic the Hedgehog’s James Marsden and even The Traitor’s host Alan Cumming coming back to reprise their roles. With the Russo brothers back in the director's seat and a fantastic lineup that includes Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Tom Hiddleston, and Robert Downey Jr., this movie feels like a massive deal for both the Avengers and the X-Men.

For longtime fans of Mackie, this is just another example of the actor’s blend of heart, humor, and unshakable cool. For fans of the Marvel movies in order and The Powerpuff Girls, it’s the multiverse mashup we didn’t know we needed but can fully embrace. And if Marvel ever wants to give us a post-credits animated crossover featuring Cap and the girls saving Townsville from multiversal doom? Well, they’ve got my attention.

Until then, catch Anthony Mackie’s first solo adventure with the Shield, as Captain America: Brave New World just hit home release, and is the perfect way to celebrate Avengers: Doomsday being one step closer to assembling.

Warning: Mild spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World are in play.

It’s amazing what can count as a miracle on the 2025 movie schedule. The fact that we even have a version of Captain America: Brave New World to watch feels like a feat, considering the complicated history of rumors surrounding director Julius Onah’s Marvel movie. After revisiting the picture for its home release, a continually elusive moment that wasn't included has me thinking about previous theories, as well as inspired some new angles on a scene we still haven't seen.

Captain America 4’s Continued Omission Of That ‘Funeral Scene’ Is Kinda Weird

As we previously saw in Brave New World’s November 2024 trailer, a moment where Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) attends a formal funeral is present. There’s a 21-gun salute, a solemn-looking Cap, and cherry blossoms present for symbolism. It feels like a somber moment of emotion that the MCU has included from time to time. However, this scene was not in the movie.

So, like any other media enthusiast, I was hoping that the Deleted Scenes for Captain America 4’s home release would include this scene, and perhaps some commentary on why it was cut. Alas, I was left empty-handed on both of those fronts. However, thanks to a theory from one of my colleagues, I think we can piece together some compelling cases for why that is.

I Back The Theory That This Was President Ross’ State Funeral

As CinemaBlend’s own Adam Holmes suggested in his Captain America: Brave New World funeral theory, I concur with the notion that this sendoff was meant for President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford). Supposedly leaked set photos revealing Liv Tyler's presence on set, and good old-fashioned trailer analysis point towards the President succumbing to his heart condition.

If you’re waiting for Sam Wilson to hit your Disney+ subscription to catch up, this is an additional warning for spoilers. That's because I have some further thoughts on why we still can't see this scene.

Marvel May Have Iced This Brave New World Scene For Two Big Reasons

I think there are two reasons that Harrison Ford’s Captain America: Brave New World character survived, leaving us without the completed scene in the Special Features package. First off, with Ross's resignation from the presidency in Brave New World’s ending, there’s a possibility that his imprisonment on The Raft will allow him to return for another picture or two.

While Kevin Feige’s comments on Marvel contracts have indicated that things have changed since the days of long-term agreements, having the Indiana Jones icon in your Rolodex of potentially recurring players is too good to pass up. However, I also think that Sam Wilson’s long-term character development potentially benefits from this choice.

If this is indeed Thaddeus Ross’ funeral, one has to assume that the result came from the current Captain America having to take him down during their DC showdown. Seeing as Sam’s background as a counselor and a soldier was cited as an important note to reinforce in the special feature “Assuming the Mantle,” that stereotypical MCU conclusion doesn’t make sense.

What’s more interesting is that if that assumption is in play, you’d need to include a different cut of that Red Hulk fight scene along with this funeral moment, for it all to make sense. At that point, you may as well include an entirely different “New World Order Cut” that restores these scenes, as well as all the other material cut during the reshoots/edits that took place.

While I still really want that wish to be granted, I can see why that may have been avoided. After all, if I Am Legend 2 can canonize a deleted ending, anything's possible.

Until that hypothetical scenario becomes a reality, or Marvel confirms that this funeral moment was a case similar to Avengers: Infinity War’s deliberately misleading trailer including a scene of The Hulk, we won’t know for sure what the truth is. Considering the paranoid political thriller nature of Captain America: Brave New World, that’s actually kind of fitting.

If you want to form your own theories or try to debunk anything discussed above, you can currently watch Anthony Mackie’s cinematic debut as the new Cap through purchase or rental on Digital HD.

While MCU star Anthony Mackie (along with numerous other vets of Marvel superhero movies) is currently gearing up to film with the stacked cast of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, he’s already had a big 2025 movies moment with his official debut as Cap in Captain America: Brave New World. Now, he’s able to reflect a bit on taking his sons to that premiere, and his reveal about the kids’ favorite part of the night is killing me.

What Did Anthony Mackie’s Sons Think Of The Captain America: Brave New World Premiere?

While Anthony Mackie can’t be seen in all of the Marvel movies in order, the Sam Wilson actor has been a major player in many of them, and helped to create some of fans’ favorite moments in the MCU. It makes sense then, that when he was ready to have the opening of the first Marvel movie to see him lead the cast, that he’d want his sons in attendance, especially with the importance of Captain America being a Black man.

But, considering how his sons reacted to having the trailer play before their viewing of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, I think he should have figured that they wouldn’t exactly be blown away by all the pomp and circumstance that generally accompanies movie premieres. E! News recently asked Mackie about the experience and how his sons reacted to the movie, and he replied:

Nobody, and I mean nobody, can break big events down like a kid. And they absolutely will not sugarcoat their opinions, either. Though it is lovely to hear that his sons like the movie and watching their dad in it (as the She Hate Me star has previously noted that his children simply don’t care about his role in any upcoming Marvel movies), these kids were all about the free party food. Honestly, who can blame them? Everyone loves a good chicken finger!

Seeing as how the boys liked dining at the afterparty, I can’t help but wonder if The Falcon and the Winter Soldier lead will take them to the Doomsday premiere, as well. That will also be a major event, with the film itself being the first Avengers movie after the team defeated Thanos, and the first one to see the titular group assemble some different allies by tapping into the Marvel multiverse to add players like the X-Men (two of whom the new Cap would love to team up with) and The Fantastic Four.

The upcoming superhero movie is also supposed to give audiences that “old Marvel feeling,” meaning that Mackie’s sons just might be in for an even better time when that film premiere comes around...as long as they can still get their chicken fingers at the afterparty, that is.

While it won't hit the 2025 movie schedule, the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is set to be the next major team-up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and excitement around the movie’s sprawling cast continues to build. From returning Avengers to long-awaited X-Men debuts, the upcoming Marvel movie is shaping up to be an MCU milestone. Now, Anthony Mackie is opening up about the film, specifically which mutants he’s most excited to share the screen with and, honestly, he’s got great taste.

Mackie revealed the X-Men characters he’s dying to team up with while speaking with Screen Rant. Whether it’s because of childhood nostalgia or the sheer fun of a potential buddy mission, his picks feel perfectly in line with what fans would love to see. The 8 Mile star first name-dropped a character who's served as a leader of the mutant team at some point or another:

Cyclops may not always get the same fanfare as Wolverine or Deadpool but, for those who grew up with X-Men: The Animated Series, he was the clear-eyed leader and emotional anchor of the team. Sam Wilson, a fellow leader in the MCU, teaming up with Scott Summers could make for a strong, strategic dynamic, especially in a high-stakes movie like Doomsday.

However, Anthony Mackie didn’t stop at Cyclops. When asked about who he’d want to spend actual time with in the MCU, he gave an answer that leans all the way into fun:

Let’s be honest, if that were a short streaming with a Disney+ subscription, I’d stream it in a heartbeat. Nightcrawler’s teleportation skills combined with Mackie’s charisma and the wild setting of New Orleans during Mardi Gras? That's instant comedy gold with plenty of heart.

The good news for the Adjustment Bureau actor (and fans) is that both Cyclops and Nightcrawler are confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, with Sonic the Hedgehog star James Marsden and The Traitors host Alan Cumming, respectively, reprising their roles. With the Russo brothers back in the directors' chairs and an all-star lineup including Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Tom Hiddleston, and Robert Downey Jr., the movie already feels like a full-circle moment for both the Avengers and the X-Men.

If Anthony Mackie gets his wish, we may see some memorable mutant moments involving the new Cap. If not, someone at Marvel should still greenlight Captain America & Nightcrawler: Mardi Gras Mayhem. You know you'd watch it.

You can catch Avengers: Doomsday when it releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.

If you keep up to date with upcoming superhero movies, then you know Anthony Mackie is officially gearing up to suit up as Captain America again. His latest comments about the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday might be exactly what the MCU needs to hear right now. Let's break down the three specific words that really stuck out to me.

While promoting Season 2 of Twisted Metal, Mackie confirmed to IGN that he's heading out this week to begin filming the epic ensemble upcoming Marvel movie. But it wasn’t just the news of production that caught fans’ attention; it was what the Hurt Locker star had to say about the tone of the movie that made headlines. As the Louisiana-born star shared:

The three key words: old Marvel feeling. I’m sure the Adjustment Bureau actor’s comments will make waves online, but it's how it makes my ‘MCU-loving heart’ sputter that I’m most interested in. After a stretch of mixed reactions to the MCU’s Phase Five (we gave Mackie’s Captain America: Brave New World a 2-star review), his comment feels like both a promise and a challenge: that Avengers: Doomsday will bring back the spark that made the Infinity Saga era so beloved.

And if anyone can help recapture that energy, it’s the Russo brothers. If you’ve seen all the MCU movies in order, then you know the brothers’ credits include The Winter Soldier, Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame, and the directing duo has long been associated with Marvel’s best movie moments. Their return to helm Doomsday feels like a deliberate move to steady the MCU’s course, and according to the Altered Carbon veteran, that strategy is already paying off behind the scenes.

If you caught Marvel's five-and-a-half-hour stream, you probably heard them tease Doomsday's incredible cast, which has a mix of returning favorites and some big-name newcomers. We’ve got Paul Rudd, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Letitia Wright, Vanessa Kirby, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Simu Liu, and of course, Robert Downey Jr., making his big return to the MCU playing Doctor Doom.

The cast list alone is enough to make heads spin, but also raises questions about screen time and character arcs. Still, Mackie’s excitement is infectious, and his confidence in the script and the team behind it suggests that this isn’t just another overstuffed crossover; it’s something built with intention.

For longtime Marvel fans waiting for the franchise to hit that emotional, character-driven sweet spot again, the Real Steel actor’s words are encouraging. “That old Marvel feeling” doesn’t just mean big battles and quippy dialogue; it’s about heart, tension, payoff, and connection. It’s what made people line up for midnight premieres and cheer in packed theaters. And if Avengers: Doomsday can tap back into that magic, Marvel may be ready for its next big moment.

Production kicks off this week, and even though we don’t know all the details yet, the buzz is definitely building. Thanks to Anthony Mackie, we’ve got even more reasons to be excited about the next Avengers movie: those good old Marvel vibes!

From all accounts, many of the various stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have become good friends in real life. A great deal of that may have taken place during the production of Captain America: Civil War as Robert Downey Jr apparently invited much of the cast to lunch, though Sebastian Stan didn’t get an early invite for… reasons.

A clip from the press conference back when Captain America: Civil War was released has recently gone viral on Instagram, which includes members of the cast discussing that Robert Downey Jr. would occasionally invite other members of the cast to lunch. Downey apparently had a very nice trailer set up, which Anthony Mackie says made the invite very coveted, and he was jealous when Daniel Brühl got the call. Mackie said…

Exactly what the other actors had to do to get invited isn’t clear, though it sounds like everybody got invited at least once. Daniel Bruhl says when he first met Robert Downey Jr. the Iron Man actor asked him what allergies he had, making the new member of the MCU very confused.

Sebastian Stan it seems did get invited to RDJ’s table at some point, but it took longer than it might have. Downey says Stan sent him a video of the Team Cap member working out that scared Downey a bit. He explained…

Maybe this is why everybody inside the MCU is so excited that Robert Downey Jr. is returning to play Doctor Doom. Since he’ll be back in Avengers: Doomsday, maybe that means the return of the RDJ Lunch Hour. It sounds like the actor ate quite well and was more than happy to share that with the rest of the cast.

There simply hasn't been a star on his level since he left the MCU. Perhaps that's part of the reason that the recent movies have been seen as struggles. Fans may not be as excited without that star power. Though I'm sure Brie Larson would be happy to buy everybody lunch, too.

Of course, we’re expecting the cast of Avengers: Doomsday to be quite large. Hopefully there will be enough shooting days with Downey on set that everybody will get at least one good lunch.

There's long been a discussion about actors taking on certain roles that may or may not reflect their personal experiences. Such talk has come into play a lot win regard to non-LGBTQ+ actors taking on such roles despite not being part of the community. Anthony Mackie is one of the stars who's done so, as he's portrayed gay characters. Now, he's sharing some insight as to why he wanted to play these characters despite his sexuality.

Anthony Mackie spoke about his career and a variety of other topics while appearing on the Pivot Podcast. While going over his various roles, he talked about his portrayal of Perry in Brother to Brother; specifically, why he accepted to portray a gay man, when he himself is not part of the LGBTQ+ community. Mackie explained that it, in great part, had to do with his personal experiences while coming of age in the south:

For anyone not too familiar with all of Anthony Mackie's pre-MCU roles, Brother to Brother was released in 2004. The movie focuses on the struggles of young art student Perry, who is kicked out of his parents’ house because he is gay. One of the main themes of the movie is coming to terms with being in a world that doesn’t accept you as you are and learning to process that. Mackie is indeed effective in the role as well. He also said this about taking the part:

It's true that art can indeed break down barriers and allow actors to learn new things not just about the world but themselves as well. Based on his comments, it seems the Twisted Metal star really wanted to not only do work on himself but better understand the people around him:

In addition to Brother to Brother, the New Orleans native also played the role of Danny on the much-discussed "Striking Vipers," an episode of Black Mirror's (uneven) fifth season. Danny struggles with the confusing ambiguity of his sexuality when the lines are blurred using virtual reality technology. The episode itself received mixed reviews from critics.

One thing about Anthony Mackie is that he's quite vocal about his place within the entertainment landscape as well as his relationship to the roles he plays. That's been clear as he's promoted his 2025 movie schedule release Captain America: Brave New World. Mackie specifically made headlines when explaining what he thinks his character, Sam Wilson and by extension Cap, represents. Shortly after that bit of controversy, he also addressed those who were trying to politicize the Marvel film.

Regardless of what you might think about Anthony Mackie's decision to play LGBTQ+ roles, it's fair to say hasn’t shied away from discussing his professional choices and owning them. He also does indeed commit to them as, based on his comments, Mackie put a great level of personal vulnerability into the role of Perry. It's rarely ever easy for people to put themselves on trial and acknowledging their own imperfections. Mackie's honesty for why he played Perry is admirable, and art can definitely serve as a means for people to grow.

Anthony Mackie’s flying high than ever these days in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, figuratively and kind of literally. After receiving Steve Rogers’ shield at the end of Avengers: Endgame and coming to terms with the responsibility it carries in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Captain America: Brave New World, the latest of the Marvel movies in order, saw Sam Wilson making his big screen debut as the new Star-Spangled Avenger. But if you think Mackie’s kids care about this, think again, as the actor dropped some f-bombs while sharing how they hilariously reacted to seeing the Brave New World trailer on the big screen.

This story, which Mackie told while appearing on The Pivot Podcast, unfolded as he and his four children were seated to see Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (now available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription). Unfortunately for the man who made his MCU debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the kids weren’t paying attention as the trailers were showing, with Mackie recalling:

This isn’t the first time Anthony Mackie has talked about his children not really caring he’s Captain America, and it’s not even the first time in recent months he’s dropped f-bombs while speaking about Captain America: Brave New World. The combination of the two, however, is just delightful, and I’m cracking up at how worked up he got up over this. He continued:

Hey, these kids had their own priorities and they were sticking to them! That said, I hope that they finally focused on the screen when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 started playing. Honestly, if Mackie’s kids are that disinterested in him playing Captain America, then the odds may be low that Brave New World ends up being streamed with the Mackie family’s Disney+ subscription later this month. It’s ok, Anthony, I liked watching the trailer when it came out.

Captain America: Brave New World has received mixed critical reception since opening last month, and at the time of this writing, it’s made over $373 million worldwide. While it remains to be seen if we’ll get a Captain America 5 someday, Mackie is set to play Sam Wilson again, presumably in the upcoming Marvel movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Perhaps the Mackie kids will be more enthusiastic about those flicks.

Anthony Mackie is currently riding (or flying) high within the Hollywood landscape. He’s one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s biggest stars, and he leads the Twisted Metal TV series. One would think that an actor of his status would be living it up in Tinseltown, but he actually left the city for his hometown of New Orleans. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of another actor who moved to his old stomping grounds, Matthew McConaughey. Now, Mackie is explaining why he decided to make the change.

On the surface, the 8 Mile veteran’s reasoning for making his home in Louisiana might seem obvious. The Big Easy is where he spent his formative years, though there’s a bit more to it than that. While promoting the recently released Captain America: Brave New World, the actor sat down with ET for a candid interview in the city itself. It was during the chat that the A-lister candidly explained how his children factored into his decision to move in 2008:

Quite frankly, it’s hard to argue against the notion that NOLA is one of the most unique places in the US. The lively town is known for its southern comforts, including the flavorful food (like scrumptious gumbo) and joyful music. Of course, I’d be remiss if I also didn’t mention the beloved holiday that is Mardi Gras, which draws plenty of tourists to the city. All in all, it seems Anthony Mackie – who has four sons – wants to give his kids an experience that few others have, and he certainly paints a great picture of the town:

There are plenty of stars who don’t actually live in Hollywood, from Florence Pugh to Glen Powell. Funny enough, it was advice from Matthew McConaughey that convinced Powell to relocate to his own home state of Texas. McConaughey is also a native Texan, who – along with wife Camila Alves – purchased a home in the Lone Star state in 2012 for them and their three kids. McConaughey said his choice to leave LA was partially influenced by the fact that he was eventually feeling boxed into rom-com roles and left La La Land to maintain a greater level of creative autonomy.

Like the Dazed and Confused icon, Anthony Mackie doesn’t seem to regret his move. He’s been raking in roles, despite not actually living in Los Angeles. His latest film is the 2025 movie schedule release The Electric State, and Twisted Metal Season 2 is set to return sometime this year. Mackie is also gearing up for production on the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, which are filming in London. Mackie certainly has the best of both worlds – a thriving career as well as a unique place to call home for him and his kids.

You can check out Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World, which is currently playing in theaters. Also, Netflix subscription holders will be able to stream The Electric State, starting on March 7.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a giant franchise, one that keeps fans on their toes with new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Fans who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order have seen what electric chemistry the cast has, and love to hear the hi jinx that happen on and off set. And Anthony Mackie recently revealed which of his super powered co-stars he'd like to see kicked out of the Avengers group chat.

The Hurt Locker actor has been doing a ton of press as he leads the cast of Captain America: Brave New World. While appearing on Hot Ones Versus alongside co-star Danny Ramirez, Mackie mentioned that infamous Avengers group chat that we'd all like to join. He joked about wanting Paul Rudd kicked out of it, offering:

Shots fired. Honestly it sounds like Paul Rudd is a bit of a shady assassin in the group chat. He's able to poke fun at his co-stars without them even knowing, bringing new meaning to the phrase "slow burn." And it's because of that Mackie is ready to kick the Clueless icon to the curb.

It's fun seeing this faux feud between Mackie and Rudd, considering their character's somewhat contentious history in the MCU. Falcon had a brief but memorable role in the first Ant-Man movie, where Scott Lang attempted to steal from the Avengers Compound. We'll just have to see if they get to share the screen again in any upcoming Marvel movies coming down the pipeline.

Of course, Rudd isn't the only one that Anthony Mackie would like to see voted out of the Avengers group chat. He named another one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the same Hot Ones appearance, namely:

While he didn't offer any reasons as to why Cheadle needs to get the boot, it's fun getting a peek behind the curtain at the interpersonal dynamics at play with the Avengers. Mackie shared more about what these relationships are like off camera, saying:

How sweet is that? As much as they might like to poke fun at each other, it's clear that there's a ton of love shared between the cast of The Avengers. Many of these names are expected to reunite on screen in The Russo's next big crossover events Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. While the studio is keeping its plans under wraps, hopefully we'll get more information sooner rather than later. For now, Captain America: Brave New World is still in theaters.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a behemoth franchise, one that's constantly offering the public new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order know that the Russo Brothers' Captain America: The Winter Soldier is one of the strongest entries out of the entire franchise. Anthony Mackie recently reminisced about a scene from that 2014 movie, revealing he "wasn't acting" when he was out of breath in Sam Wilson's first scene.

While ranking every Marvel movie, the second Captain America flick is usually high on the list due to its grounded story and thrilling action. That movie brought Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson into the fray, and he instantly bonded with Steve Rogers when jogging around D.C. In a clip from Marvel's Instagram, the Hurt Locker actor shared some BTS tidbits about just how exhausted he was from running, offering:

Well, that's one way to give a convincing performance. Movie and TV shoots are known for their grueling schedules, and it sounds like Mackie and Evans spent a ton of time running to capture Sam and Steve's meet cute. So yes, he was actually out of breathe and sweaty during that sequence from The Winter Soldier.

Sam Wilson's introduction into the MCU also brought the first utterance of "on your left", which would become an iconic catchphrase for the shared universe as a whole. As for Anthony Mackie's signature character, he'd become a bonafide Avenger and more throughout his appearances in the shared universe.

When filming his first scene in the MCU, Mackie likely had no idea that he'd eventually take on the mantle of Captain America from Chris Evans. After being given the shield at the end of Endgame, he truly became the next Cap in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. And most recently he starred as the title character of Captain America: Brave New World, which took a major box office dip in its second weekend.

It should be interesting to see what comes next for Mackie's Sam Wilson, an how The Winter Soldier continues to influence upcoming Marvel movies. Fans are expecting Anthony Mackie to return to the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, which will both be directed by The Russo Brothers. Not much is known about those forthcoming projects, but anticipation is high thanks to The Russos as well as Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the shared universe.

Captain America: Brave New World is still in theaters now, while the rest of Mackie's appearances in the MCU are streaming on Disney+. And luckily for the actor, he's mostly flying these days instead of running.

There Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new Sentinel of Liberty, and he’s played by Anthony Mackie! As of late, the fan-favorite actor has been celebrating the release of Captain America: Brave New World, and he’s truly felt the love from fans. Just recently, Mackie engaged with his admirers when he responded to questions about the MCU and more on social media. While opening up, Mackie even shared some sweet thoughts on what it’s like following in Chris Evans’ footsteps and some context for his constant use of the term YOLO.

What Did Anthony Mackie Say About Chris Evans?

It goes without saying that the Sam Wilson actor had some serious shoes to fill, as Chris Evans more than embodied the role of OG Captain America Steve Rogers. Despite that, though, I’d say Anthony Mackie more than rose to the occasion in Brave New World. Mackie recently took to Instagram to talk about the making of this latest MCU film, and a user named built2flawless asked what it was like for Mackie to take over for Evans while Sam was taking over for Steve:

Steve’s send-off occurred during the final moments of Avengers: Endgame, at which point the now-elderly super soldier bestowed his red, white and blue shield upon a surprised Sam. While initially hesitant, Wilson officially accepted the mantle during the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (which can be streamed with a Disney+ subscription). That show ultimately set Sam up for the events of his first solo film in the cinematic universe, which sees him uncovering a conspiracy that puts him face to face with the Red Hulk.

It’s cool to hear Anthony Mackie speak so fondly of Chris Evans, who he became close with while they worked together. That sheer level of closeness is what prompted Evans to spoil Endgame’s conclusion by telling Mackie about Sam’s new role. Since then, the Knives Out actor has also been supportive of his co-star as, in 2022, Evans definitively said that Sam Wilson is the new Cap after fans asserted that Rogers was irreplaceable. And, to Mackie’s point, this is a “different” take on Cap, and he’s made it his own.

Anthony Mackie Shared The Story Behind His YOLO Habit

One of the funnier topics that the longtime Marvel star discussed during his AMA was the fact that he uses the word YOLO quite a bit on a set. The term has been used for some time now, and it’s a shortened way of saying “you only live once.” When it comes to the Twisted Metal alum though, there’s a specific reason why he tends to use it quite frequently:

So it sounds like that all comes down to an inside joke shared amongst Anthony Mackie and the crews of the Marvel productions he’s worked on. I don’t know about the rest of you but, over the years, I’ve certainly shared such jokes with friends, family members and colleagues. What these comments speak to is the way in which Mackie has bonded with the people he’s been privileged to work with over the years. On a side note, I love to hear a delightful behind-the-scenes story like this one.

Captain America: Brave New World won’t mark the final time Anthony Mackie works with an MCU crew or dons the iconic shield. He’s set to reprise his role as Sam in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday as well as its sequel, Secret Wars. Amid rumors that he’s returning for the first of those two films, Chris Evans has denied involvement, though not everyone seems convinced. We’ll have to see but, regardless, after the movie has been released, I hope Mackie launches another fun AMA filled with fun tidbits for the fans.

I have waited years for this moment, and here it is – the time I lay everything out on the line for Sam Wilson because I stand by my man.

Alright, well, that might be pushing it a bit, but it's the truth. I've been waiting a long time for Captain America: Brave New World to come out, probably ever since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The upcoming Marvel movies list has been mocking me with its release date for years, and now, finally, it's here.

Of course, as a longtime Captain America fan, I knew I needed to head to the movies immediately to witness its greatness, despite what critics have said about the film. I have to say that I came away with an unpopular opinion about Sam Wilson that I think some might not agree with, but here we go anyway.

I Still Love Steve Rogers As Captain America

Look, I love Steve. What's not to love about Steve?

As someone who grew up in New York and was bullied immensely as a child, the idea of this scrawny kid from Brooklyn fighting for what he believes in and pushing forward to become a powerful superhero and symbol for the country meant a lot to me.

And for ten years, that is precisely what Steve Rogers was. It was always one of Chris Evans' best roles, and it really revived his career after a string of box office bombs when he was younger. He's had some hilarious one-liners and some speeches that still sit with me even now, years later, after his time as Cap was over in Avengers: Endgame.

Even if Steve Rogers somehow came back in the MCU timeline, I'd still find a way to love him. But that's not what this article is about – we're talking about Sam Wilson.

But I Think I'm Starting To Like Sam Wilson A Lot More

Yeah, I'm sorry, but I'm really starting to like Sam Wilson as Captain America a lot more.

Before you throw tomatoes at my face and threaten my body with pitchforks, I want you to hear me out. Honestly, I think we often forget that Anthony Mackie's Sam has actually been in the MCU since 2014 – more than a decade now – ever since the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The character has earned his stripes and more with how much he has gone through and it’s not surprising Steve chose Sam.

But that's not the main reason why I like Sam as Cap so much. It's because he feels real. Steve was made for an entirely different generation – the ones who existed during World War II. While we all related to him, he was never someone who adequately represented what America is now.

Sam, however, is that. As he has said before, he is a Black man in the Captain America suit, which in itself puts a target on his back. It's everything else that makes him a perfect Cap, though. He's honest, he's smart, and he speaks about the state of the country.

He's willing to pull his punches when necessary but fights for what he believes in when he knows he has to. I mean, no one fought for Isaiah Bradley until Sam came along, and now he is a free man, someone who is able to just live and let his demons stay in the past.

That is the sign of a true hero; when you are willing to fight for those who have no one – to fight for the people that everyone is against. And I can't help but love that.

His Suit Feels More Realistic, And It Reminds Me Of Iron Man's Devices

I think what I also love about Sam is his gear. Let's be honest here – while Steve as Captain America is great, he was really just a super strong soldier who had a Vibranium shield. He was quick on his feet, don't get me wrong, and knew plenty of stunts, but he didn't have any cool gear.

Sam, however, is not a Super Soldier. He's just a regular guy with access to some amazingly high-tech stuff, and we see that with his Vibranium suit and shield and everything else in Brave New World.

In that way, he reminds me of Iron Man, someone who feels almost forgotten in the world of the MCU as no one ever brings him up, aside from Peter Parker in the Spider-Man films. Sam is essentially what Iron Man was – minus the millions of dollars. He's a regular guy who is fighting crime and has some sick gear and a suit that is practically impenetrable to add to it.

I love heroes like that. Ones that are smart and able to use their gear to their full extent while keeping their very human bodies somehow intact. It's why people like Iron Man so much, or even Daredevil – they are regular people who know how to use their weapons, and I adore that kind of style.

The Stakes Are So Much Higher, Which Is Something I Like

I'm sure that there are plenty of people who agree with Sam's sentiment in the movie – that he should have taken the Super Soldier serum. Even though Sam said it in a disgruntled manner, I disagree. Because now, the stakes are higher.

When you have a superpowered individual like Steve or Bucky, and they get hurt, you don't really think much of it. Most of the time, they are going to be totally fine, and the worry for them is never really…well, real. We don't feel fear because nine times out of ten, they are going to walk away utterly okay.

That's not the same with Sam. He is normal, and while I do like that aspect of him, it also makes me care a lot more because he can so easily be hurt. Granted, he does have the suit, so that protects him at least a little, but even that can't stop serious falls or crashes, as we saw with Rhodey and what happened to him in Civil War.

He's a human with human bones, skin, blood, and everything else under the sun. That makes him worthy of the fear we feel for him.

I Hope We Get More Sam Wilson Captain America Movies Because He Deserves Them

At the end of Captain America: Brave New World, it was alluded to that Sam is essentially going to rebuild the Avengers. We know that two more Avengers films are coming from the MCU Phase 6, but I really hope that there are going to be more Cap movies where Sam is leading.

I know that change is never easy, and it can kind of be painful to think of anyone else but Steve in the Captain America suit. But pain produces change most of the time, and I really believe that Sam's version of the character is what we need right now as a country.

I'm not sure what else is going to happen with his character, but I hope that it's given the treatment it deserves and that any new film featuring Cap will deliver a storyline worthy of Sam.

This MCU is new and unpredictable, but exciting as well, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Now all I have to do is wait for the Thunderbolts* movie, and I can finally get a proper dose of Bucky.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a five-star film and easily one of Marvel’s best movies. From the jump, the flick sets the tone perfectly by opening with the legendary “On your left” scene. The moment Steve Rogers meets Sam Wilson is both hilarious and wholesome, as Cap lapped his future Falcon during his run on multiple occasions. However, Anthony Mackie has some big and hilarious thoughts about it, including one qualm about Chris Evans that fans couldn’t stop laughing about.

Anthony Mackie Really Wants You To Know That Chris Evans ‘Wasn’t Running That Fast’ In Winter Soldier

While Anthony Mackie is the new Cap and Captain America: Brave New World, and that film just premiered on the 2025 movie schedule, he’s reflecting on his MCU origins. His character met Steve Rogers while running at the National Mall in Washington D.C. and the gag was that as Sam kept getting lapped, Evans’ character would say “on your left” every time he passed them.

Now, Mackie would like us all to know that Chris Evans can’t actually run that fast as he exclaimed in a video for Marvel:

In the video, the former Falcon was trying to talk about filming this iconic moment with Evans.

It truly is one of my favorite MCU moments, and it led to other iconic callbacks too, like the “On your left” moment in Endgame. However, the staying power of this line and the fact that this was the first of many scenes shared between an iconic duo was not what Mackie was focused on at first, as he reiterated:

I mean, he’s right, there’s no way Chris Evans could run that fast, he is, in fact, not a super soldier. However, his harping on it so much has me giggling.

Jokes aside, the current Cap went on to talk about the legacy of this long-lasting gag. To this day, fans will come up to him and say the line Steve used to pass Sam over and over again, and sometimes it gets quoted at Mackie in odd ways, as he explained:

I imagine that must be odd. However, it doesn’t diminish how fantastic the bit is or how funny Mackie is both in the film and in this interview. Fans loved it too as the actor clearly could not let this whole situation go.

Fans Find Anthony Mackie’s Qualm About Chris Evans Hilarious

Even though it’s been over ten years since The Winter Soldier’s premiere, and Mackie is now leading his own Captain America movies (Brave New World’s reviews were not the best), Winter Soldier is still a beloved point of conversation. That proved to be especially true when the actor started exclaiming about Evans' ability to run.

To prove that point, take a look at some of the comments on the TikTok of this instance. Fans were having a ball with Mackie’s passion about the fact that Chris Evans can’t actually run like a super soldier, and I’m laughing so hard over them:

• "Chris Evans can't run that fast!" 🤣 -theperksofbeingsmol
• Bros traumatized with the “on your left” for life -DJ Dean
• Why do I feel like Mackie says Chris can’t run that fast because he doesn’t want someone to say “oh look how slow he runs” -Adam S
• If i have learned anything today it’s that Chris evans does not run that fast😂😂😂 -Kristy Aponte
• "chris evans can't run that fast!" i believe anthony mackie 😂😭 -Ionzic
• The more he denies it the more I want to believe he can run that fast -chrxssantxago
• Chris Evans can't. Captain America can -dixie-normus

Much like Mackie’s faux feud with Tom Holland, I can’t get enough of his qualm with Chris Evans. Now, I’d love to see the Knives Out actor respond to all this silliness.

However, who knows if that will happen. So, in the meantime, you can go back and stream The Winter Soldier as well as all the Marvel movies in order with a Disney+ subscription and you can catch Mackie as the Star Spangled Man With A Plan in Brave New World, which is in theaters now.

Captain America: Brave New World finally hit theaters over the weekend as part of the 2025 movie schedule and was met with much buzz. While fans and critics have varied thoughts on Marvel's latest, there is one thing that I think we can all agree on, the popcorn bucket is off the hook. This newest entry in the War of the Popcorn Buckets marks one of the best I’ve seen, and it would seem Anthony Mackie agrees with me.

Over the weekend, Anthony Mackie stopped by the AMC theater at Disney Springs inside Walt Disney World to drop in on an audience getting ready to watch his first big-screen performance as the new Captain America. The fun and exciting moment was captured in a video that was posted to Instagram. Mackie just came in to thank the fans for showing up, but he made sure to get his popcorn in the new shield bucket:

After saying thank you to fans, Mackie apparently leaves the theater, meaning he was never planning on grabbing a seat, watching the movie, and eating the popcorn he’s carrying out of his new bucket. I'd like to believe that the man merely wanted one of the sweet popcorn holders for himself. And, honestly, wouldn't you do the same?

Not that I blame him, as that piece of merchandise is awesome. The actual popcorn bucket is collapsable and on the back of a mini replica of the Captain America shield. This makes the design much more functional than most popcorn buckets. It takes up a lot less space when you’re not using it for its intended purpose and also looks cool if you want to display it in some way.

As somebody who covers the theme park industry, I know more than a little about popcorn containers. Some Disney World buckets generate lines longer than the rides. Seeing them become more mainstream, with every major release getting its own popcorn bucket, collectible cup, and in the case of Moana 2 a nacho boat, has been a very strange experience. I have a couple of buckets I’ve picked up at theme parks but most of the ones I see in movie theaters have never really interested me -- but this Cap one I love.

Also, I love the crowd reactions in this video. There’s a large cheer at the very beginning, as people notice who's walking into the theater. Then, after AnthonyMackie speaks, there’s an even louder cheer, that appears to include people who hadn’t realized the A-lister was in the room until that moment, which is pretty amazing.

Given Captain America: Brave New World's solid opening at the box office this past weekend, it's possible that a lot of people bought that popcorn bucket. I’m not saying people should go see the movie just to buy a cool bucket, but it’s honestly not the worst reason to head over to your local cinema now.

Warning: Minor spoilers for Captain America: Brave New World are in play. If you haven’t caught Marvel Studios’ latest quite yet, you’ve been warned.

As far as the 2025 movie schedule goes, this past weekend was a pretty good sign that Marvel Studios is still capable of raking in cash. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as the President’s Day holiday gave Captain America: Brave New World’s cast and crew a lot to celebrate as far as box office receipts go. And, as we celebrate Anthony Mackie’s huge cinematic debut as Cap, it’s clearly a good time to commemorate his trademark brand of on-set humor, along with fellow jokester and 2025 Oscar nominee Sebastian Stan.

Marvel Studios’ social media team posted a reel of outtakes from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Disney+ subscription holders and casual viewers alike can enjoy what we’re about to show you, but be warned that we’ll be discussing some minor Brave New World developments pretty freely past this video:

I really love seeing that clip, and it makes me nostalgic for the funny dynamic between the two beloved characters. Although the MCU has put Sam Wilson and James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes on separate life paths, the two did share a cinematic pep talk in this latest film. Brave New World saw the congressional candidate and friend to Steve Rogers making an important cameo. During that scene, Barnes reinforced why Sam Wilson was the right choice as the new Captain.

While that was more than likely a moment that’s priming the world for the upcoming Marvel movie Thunderbolts*, I really enjoyed this scene that reinforced the moral core this series of standalone movies has always represented. I only hold that belief more deeply after watching Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie fooling around on the Falcon and Winter Soldier set, as you can get a feel of their real-life friendship fueling such pivot points.

I have no knowledge of where Mackie or Stan’s Marvel characters will be heading in the post-Captain America 4 world. All I do know is that I need to see Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes reteam in another adventure of political intrigue, as it would only give me more of my preferred flavor of Marvel movies.

At the same time, I would also say that Danny Ramirez’ Joaquin Torres is by no means a consolation prize. Brave New World shows off the new Falcon’s chemistry with Cap rather well, and I wouldn’t dream of breaking up this team. If anything, this could be a call to turn the next standalone Cap movie into a three person operation (especially since the loose thread of Sharon Carter still needs to be dealt with). Also, such a production could result in some more hilarious outtakes like the ones in the clip above.

There’s enough time to make way for the stories of tomorrow, but, for now, you can see what Brave New World by checking it out in a theater near you. And, after you have, you too can ask some very important questions, like where does Captain America 4’s ending mean for the future of the franchise? Or will we get a sweet gag reel like the one shown above when the home release come around?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for keeps fans on their toes, thanks to its regular release of new content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The next upcoming Marvel movie is Captain America: Brave New World, which will put Anthony Mackie front and center as the new Cap. And the Hurt Locker actor recently explained that Samuel L. Jackson was partially responsible for Marvel's tight security related to their scripts. And the story is A+.

Fans who spent the Marvel movies in order know that the studio is notoriously secretive with scripts, not even allowing actors to take them home. While this is common knowledge at this point, the origin of this security measure actually goes back to the first Avengers flick. During a clip from The Graham Norton Show on BBC America's instagram, Mackie offered some context, saying:

Is it just me or does this feel like a plot point from The Office? It turns out that a clerical error is the reason Marvel studios is so crazy about its scripts, although I can't blame them. While having the first Avengers script leaked was bad enough, it would have been an even bigger deal for high stakes, secretive projects like Infinity War and Endgame. Why would Marvel take that risk twice?

Later in that same TV appearance, Anthony Mackie shared what happened to that fateful extra Avengers script. And it's not a great outcome, as he put it:

Ouch. Not only was the movie's script leaked, but apparently someone on the payroll was able to get a huge payday by selling the thing online. Suddenly those extreme security measures don't seem so crazy, do they?

What we know about Captain America: Brave New World has been limited, but the movie is officially in theaters now. Fans are eager to see how Anthony Mackie will fare as the new Cap, who doesn't have superpowers but does have a vibranium wings to help him fight goes like Red Hulk. Fans are also curious to see how the movie addresses previous projects like The Incredible Hulk and Eternals. The pressure is on for Cap 4 to deliver in theaters as part of the 2025 movie release dates, especially after some recent MCU box offie disappointments. Someone get this man a shield!

One could argue that The Last of Us Season 2 is the most exciting upcoming video game adaptation hitting the 2025 TV schedule, but for those who prefer their post-apocalypses with more sunlit skies, vehicular action and madcap humor, the future is all about Twisted Metal Season 2. Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz’s John and Quiet will face even more explosive and potentially deadly mayhem when the Peacock series returns. Mayhem that goes by the name of Calypso and Mr. Grimm, among others.

The first teaser trailer for Season 2 does indeed feature the first footage of Twisted Metal tournament organizer Calypso, the supernatural wish-granter portrayed in live-action by Barry and Gotham fan-favorite Anthony Carrigan. And it also delivers on the Season 1 finale reference to the game’s motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Grimm, as well as his on-brand gang. Check out the first big promo below and read on for more.

Anthony Carrigan's Calypso Is A Haunting Weirdo, And I Love It

Given this isn't a massive official trailer with a fully established premiere date, the amount of episodic footage seen therein is fairly minimal, and this video is more focused on showcasing both familiar and new characters to give viewers a clear view of everyone we can expect to see. And it makes all the sense in the world to cap the promo off with a shot of the raven-haired Calypso.

Anthony Carrigan is known for bringing his low-key charisma to largely hairless villains such as No-Ho Hank in HBO's Barry, but he's rocking some dark locks to match the video game look of Calypso, and it's a nifty visage. He kind of looks like he'd be a magician who ported over from Castlevania game, and I say that with all due love and respect.

Looks Like Live-Action Mr. Grimm Will Be A Mortal Version

In the video games, the motorcycle gang leader Mr. Grimm has various origin stories. He's initially a literal skull-headed reaper of souls, like Ghost Rider without the flames and chains. The look then morphed into something of an undead biker, then a pirate (let's forget that time), then a traumatized soldier. then the son of a dead stuntman who wishes to bring his father back. A pretty wide variety of narrative beats to choose from for showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith.

And considering the TV version of Mr. Grimm is wearing a helmet with a skull painted on it, it's probably safe to assume there's a somewhat normal human being behind the visor, even if we never see who it is. Then again, if there's nothing but smooth skull bones under the helmet, he'd probably need to wear it anyway just to stop people from asking where all of his head skin went.

The trailer also shows off more from John Doe's sister, who's going by the video game moniker Dollface. We don't know very much about the character at this point, beyond her direct relation to Anthony Mackie's character. But she is the leader of a group of similarly masked badasses who will no doubt hinder John and Quiet's efforts in Calypso's tournament before eventually helping in some way.

Twisted Metal Season 2 will arrive at some point in Summer 2025 for fans with Peacock subscriptions, so be sure to get your brakes checked and your oil changed, and think about what you secretly wish for more than anything else in the world, so that Calypso can eventually go all "Monkey's Paw" on it.

Look, I love Bucky Barnes as much as the next person. In fact, when it was revealed that he was canonically the MCU's White Wolf, I thought, hell yeah. Let's get him suited up immediately.

However, when it comes to whether I'd rather have Sam Wilson or Bucky Barnes take up the Captain America mantle, I, like Cap himself, 100% choose Sam over Bucky.

You might be wondering how that's even possible (I mean, hellllooooo. Bucky's a super soldier), but I have five reasons why I'm glad that Sam is the star of Captain America: Brave New World and not Bucky.

Sam Has A Better Understanding Of What It Means To Be An Average American Than Bucky

You know what? One of my favorite Marvel shows is still The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and that’s mostly because it really humanized Sam Wilson for me.

Yes, as far as superheroes go, The Falcon has always been one of the more grounded characters (which is ironic, given that he flies). In truth, he’s more along the lines of somebody like Hawkeye and Black Widow rather than Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. That said, when it came to movies Like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame, The Falcon seemed larger than life.

Not so in the Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, though. Sam comes back from the Blip wanting to handle some family business, and tries to get a loan from the bank. But, guess what. He gets rejected! Sam Wilson, a bona fide Avenger who helped save the universe…got rejected for a loan at the bank.

If that doesn't speak to the American experience (a Black man being declined for a bank loan), then I don't know what does.

For that reason, I think Sam is better suited to deal with modern day problems than Bucky. Now, I’m not saying that somebody like Bucky wouldn't be a worthy Captain America. I’m just saying that Sam has a better understanding of the struggles of current day Americans, that’s all.

Sam Is Also Just A Normal, Every Day Dude With An Extraordinary Heart

Does Sam get paid as an Avenger? The answer is surprisingly no. Especially since Tony Stark (Who I guess is Doctor Doom now?) perished after the events in Endgame. And honesty, that's messed up.

But, it also really drives home the point that Sam is really just an ordinary guy. He’s not some super soldier with a metal arm. I view him more like a firefighter, or a police officer in that he puts himself in extremely dangerous situations just because he has an extraordinary heart.

Which might be one of the many reasons why Steve Rogers picks Sam in the first place, since, at his core, Sam is very much like a young Steve. If you don’t remember all the way back to 2011 when The First Avenger came out, Steve was always the smallest guy with the biggest heart.

Even before he got the Super Soldier Serum, he was the kind of guy who would leap on a grenade if it meant saving his fellow soldier, and I think that Sam’s willingness to defend his country without getting the serum really speaks volumes.

Yes, Bucky would definitely be the more durable Captain America, but being Cap is more than just about strength; it’s all about heart. And, while I know that Bucky has heart in spades, I think it’s more fitting that just an ordinary dude with extraordinary willpower like Sam is the one who gets the shield.

Sam Is Of The Here And Now, While Bucky, Like Cap, Is Of The Past

Sam doesn't come from a bygone era like Steve or Bucky. He's not a part of “The Greatest Generation” who fought in World War 2. No, Sam is one of us, dealing with current day problems.

Which is one of the main reasons why he had such a hard time accepting the shield after it was given to him. In a lot of ways, he viewed it as a burden, and it was because he was mostly thinking of the present. As a Black man, he didn’t feel like the country represented him, so how could he, in turn, represent the country?

This was mostly before he met Isaiah Bradley, who was one of the first Super Soldiers, but was swept underneath the rug because he was a Black Super Soldier. However, by learning about this man, Sam better understood that while there was still a lot of work to be done in regards to race relations, the fact that he had been chosen to be Captain America shows the leaps and bounds in progress that this country has made, and it would take somebody of this era to fully understand that.

Inversely, Bucky, like Steve, mostly has values from an era that no longer exists. While we’re always looking back fondly toward Americans in World War 2, we do not currently live in that era. Steve knew that he was of the past, and he also knew that Bucky was of the past, as well. When passing on the title, Cap wanted to give it to the future rather than the past.

So, while America needs to occasionally look backward, it can’t live in the past. That’s why I love that Steve chose Sam over Bucky, as his old friend is not the future. Sam is.

A Black Captain America Is One Hell Of A Symbol

Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t bring my own race into this, but since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier wasn’t shy on the subject of race, I’m not going to be shy, either. In truth, I’m happy that Cap chose Sam over Bucky because I like the idea of a Black Captain America in general.

I know, I know. “DEI hires” is the new negative buzzword, and I’ve seen my fair share of comments like that online in regards to Sam being Captain America. But honestly, those people are not going to put a damper on my pride of seeing a Black man (a fictional Black man, sure, but a Black man all the same) representing this entire country as Captain America.

Seeing Sam land in his superhero pose with both his wings, and his shield is one hell of a symbol (I mean, what represents freedom more than wings?). And, I’m overjoyed that Steve decided that even though there would likely be people who’d rather see Bucky as the next Cap, he still chose Sam, because he thought he was the right choice.

Look, I’m not going to lie to you. As a Black man myself, I cried when Obama first took office. I was ecstatic to see that people chose him to lead our country into the future, and he inspired millions to have hope for a better America.

I really don’t want to get political here, since I know a wide swath of people visit this website, and I respect all political views. That said, it’s kind of hard not to get political when talking about a character like Captain America, and I’m happy that Steve chose Sam for the job, because 1: He’s perfectly capable, and 2: he makes me even more proud to be both an American, but also a person of color. Just like Obama himself.

Lastly, I Just Like Anthony Mackie, And I'm Happy To See Him Fronting His Own Movie

Finally, not to take anything away from Sebastian Stan (he had one hell of a 2024), but I’m honestly just happy to see Anthony Mackie frontline his own movie.

I’ve been following Mackie’s career for a long time, and while he’s been a great supporting actor for many years, it’s rare where you actually see him as a leading man, and playing Captain America (rather than just his buddy), is a huge opportunity for him.

Don’t get me wrong. I would love to see Stan play Cap as well, and I’m aware that both Sam and Bucky have been Cap in the comics. However, I’m really just happy to see Mackie have his moment, since I feel he’s earned it.

I loved him as Cap in the last episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and I’ve been highly anticipating this movie for a long time now. So, that’s just another reason why I’m happy that Steve chose Sam over Bucky – it means that Anthony Mackie gets to star in his own movie!

Are you Team Sam, or Team Bucky, and why? You heard my reasons. Now what about yours?

This is lining up to be a very exciting year for Marvel Studios. An insane barrage of exciting titles will be making their way to theaters, in addition to some incredible shows that will be available with a Disney+ subscription. We will get to see the return of Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, several members of the Black Widow family in Thunderbolts, and the introduction of the MCU Fantastic Four. Before all of that happens, though, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is picking up the shield and stepping into some political intrigue for the blockbuster feature Captain America: Brave New World, and critics are weighing in now that the embargo on reviews has lifted.

Our own Eric Eisenberg posted a 2 star review of Julius Onah’s Captain America: Brave New World, and found it “slow and dull.” Eric said he enjoyed Phase 2-type MCU stories that were free of massive crossover hype, but still found Brave New World to be lacking any real surprises. Eisenberg writes in his review:

Bilge Ebiri over at Vulture seems to agree that Captain America: Brave New World feels like just another stop on the long and winding Marvel road, calling the latest MCU sequel “more obligatory than exciting.” When writing about the difficulty a Marvel movie now faces to stand out, Ebiri wonders:

These Marvel movies are supposed to be a good time, however, and in his review for Variety, critic Owen Gleiberman claims that Captain America: Brave New World has enough “straightforward gusto” to entertain an audience. He writes:

Most of the reviews, our own included, do praise the cast. Everyone seems to like Anthony Mackie in the role. Harrison Ford is dialed in to the part of President Thaddeus Ross – a part he took over for the late William Hurt. And the film does a decent job of extending the stories left behind by Eternals, The Incredible Hulk, and the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

It just might not be enough. Writing for Roger Ebert, Robert Daniels gives Captain America: Brave New World 1 star and claims:

As always, we encourage you to make up your own mind. Captain America: Brave New World opens in theaters beginning on February 13.

Over three years ago, Jeremy Renner was involved in a “traumatic” accident involving a snowplow. The 54-year-old actor was hit by a massive snowcat while trying to save his nephew from being run over. As a result, Renner broke dozens of bones and subsequently embarked upon the road to recovery, with his relatives at his side. He also had the support of dear friends, including fellow Marvel star Anthony Mackie. Now, Mackie is getting candid about Renner’s unfortunate ordeal and how the actor managed to keep his sense of humor.

Anthony Mackie and Jeremy Renner have a bit of a history. Years ago, they co-starred alongside each other in Kathryn Bigelow’s 2009 war drama The Hurt Locker. And, over the next few years, the two would be cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Renner being cast as Clint Barton and Mackie as Sam Wilson. Mackie recalled his buddy’s incident while speaking to People. The 46-year-old star admitted to having been taken aback once he learned about the incident but, as time went on, he could see a bright spot:

During his hospitalization, Jeremy Renner shared updates on his status when possible, and his family members did the same. He even shared a video from the ICU early on, which was incredibly touching. Anthony Mackie’s thoughts on his humor also track, as some of the American Hustle alum’s posts were indeed humorous. I loved seeing Renner remain upbeat in the face of adversity, and Mackie felt the same way:

Jeremy Renner’s sheer determination and drive to get better were surely inspiring to see. On top of that, what was also refreshing was to see just how vulnerable the veteran actor was about his condition. While he did indeed open up whenever he made progress, he also didn’t shy away from talking about his setbacks. It was even a “big stretch” for him to return to acting once he was well enough to do so. While talking to CinemaBlend’s own Riley Utley, Renner discussed the impact of his injuries on his Mayor Kingston character as well.

Nevertheless, he preserved and had plenty of support from fans and a plethora of actors from across Hollywood. His Marvel Cinematic Universe family particularly came through for him, with Chris Evans showing love and later visiting the hospital with Scarlett Johansson. Paul Rudd also sent well wishes by way of a video that went viral. The stars of the MCU have long shown that they share a bond, and it was heartwarming to see it shine through in a big way when one of their own was in dire straits.

Anthony Mackie’s reflections on the entire situation are also a testament to that bond amongst the MCU stars. I’m glad Jeremy Renner had Mackie and others by his side, and I smile knowing that he’s back to work and doing well now. You can see the two buddies together on the repair-centric series Rennervations using a Disney+ subscription. And, of course, with that same membership you can stream the various Marvel movies in order to see the actors play their superhero characters.

It’s really difficult to discuss the best moments in the MCU. Usually, we have to break the conversation down into smaller segments, such as the Best Marvel TV shows, or even the best moments that use music in the MCU. As an extra challenge, try to build that list without using any of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. But any time that someone asks me my all-time favorite moment in any of the MCU movies, my answer will be the Portals scene from Avengers: Endgame, and I’m not sure what moment that could appear in any upcoming Marvel movie will top it. It’s not just the Portals opening up in that sequence – setting up the largest on-screen battle in Marvel Studios history – it’s the payoff of the “On your left” line delivered by Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he communicates with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). I get chills, every single time.

A lot has changed in the MCU since Sam Wilson returned from The Blip, and the Avengers did what was necessary to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin). Steve Rogers officially retired, and passed the mantle to his former, winged partner. Then, in the limited series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – available with a Disney+ Streaming Service subscription – the shield was picked up and sullied by John Walker (Wyatt Russell), a plot point that I assume is going to be explored in this summer’s Thunderbolts. For now, though, Anthony Mackie is back in possession of the Cap shield and title, and will use it for good in Captain America: Brave New World.

But because Avengers: Endgame was shrouded in such secrecy, and no one involved with the production did traditional interviews on behalf of that massive sequel, I wanted to use my recent time with Mackie to ask him what he remembered about the Portals scene. And like most behind-the-scenes Marvel Studios stories, this one blew me away. When I asked Mackie about filming the moment, he told CinemaBlend:

I will never watch that scene again without thinking of Anthony Mackie in his pantry, with a blanket over his head, speaking the iconic throwback line “On your left” into his phone, so that Joe and Anthony Russo could use it in this unforgettable scene:

It’s easily the most unforgettable scene in an MCU movie. And it’s hilarious because we also know that the scene almost didn’t happen, and the Russos had to fight to keep it in the movie. But it isn’t just the return of the blipped MCU characters, as cool as that was. The thing that truly blew my mind was the callback by Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) to the line that Captain America (Chris Evans) gave him in The Winter Soldier as they jogged. It made that moment surreal. It made me love it, instantly.

Captain America: Brave New World is the first of three upcoming Marvel movies that will reach theaters in 2025, leading to Thunderbolts and then The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Will they have scenes as memorable as the Portals moment? We can only help.

When it comes to the schedule of upcoming Marvel movies, the latest title set to see the light of day is Captain America: Brave New World. The Anthony Mackie-led film will see Sam Wilson navigate a massive conspiracy and go toe to toe with the Red Hulk. While that latter aspect of the 2025 movie schedule release is exciting for fans, some have been considered amid rumors of significant reshoots for the flick. With that, Mackie weaved past the negative takes on the production process while also sharing his take on the finished flick.

Captain America: Brave New World reportedly began filming – with director Julius Onah at the helm – in March 2023, before production wrapped that June, sometime after the start of the 2023 WGA Writers Strike. By December of that same year, it was reported that changes would be made to Cap 4, with additional scenes and material being written. As part of that, Giancarlo Esposito was cast in what was a mystery role. (He’s since been confirmed to be playing Serpent Society leader Sidewinder.)

The comment assumption amongst fans across social media seems to be that constant changes have been made to the film due to it not being up to par. No one from Disney’s superhero-centric studio has confirmed nor denied that assertion. Anthony Mackie was asked about the reshoots while speaking with Esquire. When responding, the actor pointed to how other notable blockbusters have been filmed in recent years:

He makes a good point in that plenty of massive movies undergo reshoots, and that’s certainly been the case for the films that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some of the best flicks in the expansive franchise needed additional scenes to be filmed and, at this point, Marvel has built reshoots into production schedules. Of course, reshoots can give, and they can take away. For example, wrestler and Brave New World cast member Seth Rollins says his role was cut amid the changes. Still, Anthony Mackie has faith in the movie:

This fourth Cap movie signifies a major accomplishment for the Twisted Metal star in a number of respects. For starters, it marks the first time since his debut as Sam Wilson in 2014 that he’s headlined a film in this expansive IP. He also holds a specific distinction alongside Scarlett Johansson as an MCU actor who also serves as an executive producer on an entry in this franchise. So it goes without saying that Mackie is quite proud of the work that’s been done – and he even defended the film from politicization.

As of this writing, critics’ reactions to Brave New World have yet to be shared, but those as well as full reviews will be here soon, as the film will be with us in less than two weeks. What matters most, of course, is what you think about it once you see it for yourself. I’m aiming to stay optimistic about what Anthony Mackie and co. have created. Hopefully, the reshoots contribute to a film that’s as “big” and “fun” as the leading man describes.

Check out Captain America: Brave New World in theaters on February 14 and, in the meantime, use a Disney+ subscription to stream the first three films in the superhero saga.

Over a decade ago, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson took to the skies as the Falcon for the first time in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. There’s been considerable change in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Wilson is now Cap and leading his own movie subtitled Brave New World. With the 2025 movie schedule entry almost here and many other MCU entries under Mackie’s belt at this point, it’s fair to wonder just how much longer he plans to remain in the fold. Well, luckily for inquiring minds, the actor is speaking to that very subject.

The fact that the Half Nelson alum has been part of the MCU as long as he has is somewhat surreal for me. Personally, I still remember when his casting as Sam was announced, and official concept art of the character was unveiled. When you look over the Marvel movies in order, Wilson has had quite the journey, so you certainly have to consider whether it’ll come to an end soon. Anthony Mackie addressed that during a profile piece for Esquire, and it sounds like he’s not prepared to hang up the wings just yet:

So it would seem the 8 Mile veteran is down to stay with the massive superhero franchise for another decade. His rationale for that particular prediction does make sense. Coming up, he has the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on his plate, with the former reportedly set to begin filming this year. A fifth Captain America movie isn’t a certainty right now, though it could be a possibility. That aside, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sam popped up in other MCU properties, especially given his important, in-universe status as Cap.

Hearing such enthusiasm from the leading man is great, as it’d be very easy for him to be jaded at this point. Of course, what may add to his excitement is that he’s only just reached a new era in his character’s history. There are still plenty of stories that can be told now that Sam Wilson is the Sentinel of Liberty. Of course, before getting ahead of ourselves, we need to focus on the latest situation that Wilson has to contend with in the MCU.

Captain America: Brave New World sees Sam Wilson contending with the aftermath of an international incident. Wilson eventually finds himself wrapped up in a web of intrigue that leads to him stumbling upon a conspiracy. Anthony Mackie has talked up the film and teased what fans can expect. He’s also dropped F-bombs over the politicization of the film. Any chatter of that nature aside, though, he has reason to be proud, as he also serves as an EP on the film. (That’s a MCU milestone only he and Scarlett Johansson have managed to reach as actors within the franchise.)

Time certainly does fly, and it does my heart well to see Anthony Mackie still taking pleasure in his involvement in the MCU and looking towards the future. Whenever Sam Wilson does fly off into the sunset, I’d hope that he receives a sweet sendoff. Considering what Mackie has brought to the role of Sam Wilson all these years, it’s certainly what he deserves.

Be sure to check out Captain America: Brave New World when it hits theaters on February 14. In the meantime, stream Sam Wilson past appearances in Marvel movies and shows using a Disney+ subscription.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps the fans on their toes, thanks to the steady stream of content in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. The next upcoming Marvel movie hitting theaters is Captain America: Brave New World, which is the first entry in the franchise where Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson is the title character. The 46 year-old actor recently dropped an f-bomb in response to folks online finding a tie between the film and the state of politics. And I've got to say I think I agree with him.

What we know about Captain America: Brave New World is limited, as we've been shown very limited footage leading up to its release in February. But on the heels of the election and inauguration, there's some chatter online comparing Harrison Ford's President Ross/ Red Hulk to President Trump. During an interview with Esquire about the project, Mackie didn't hold back his thoughts about that discourse, offering:

Honestly, I kind of get it. Fans who have spent years watching the Marvel movies in order know how long the development and filming of each new blockbuster takes. Captain America 4 began production back in March of 2023, long before there was a change in administration. And instead of allowing politics to influence how we see entertainment, it might be better to just enjoy the fun of a Marvel movie without connecting it to the real world.

On the other hand, it's somewhat understandable that folks are finding connections between the movie and reality. After all, Captain America: Brave New World will seemingly be set in Washington, and features as US President as a major character.

Early on in the film's marketing it was spoiled that Harrison Ford's Thaddeus Ross as going to become Red Hulk at some point during the 2025 movie release. While fans are hyped to see how Sam Wilson will somehow battle him without having taken the Super Soldier Serum, some corners of the internet are equating Red Hulk with President Trump. As a reminder, you can see the Captain America: Brave New World trailer below:

Harrison Ford joining the Captain America: Brave New World cast was definitely exciting for fans, although it was unfortunately because previous Ross actor William Hurt died in 2022. Not only will he be playing that long-running MCU character, but he also got to do motion capture to bring the Red Hulk to life on the big screen.

Only time will tell how audiences will respond to Captain America 4 when it hits theaters on February 14th. The pressure is on to stick the landing, but the movie comes after the wild success of Deadpool & Wolverine. Hopefully Marvel can hit twice in a row.

Next month will see the release of the first upcoming Marvel movie of three set for the 2025 movie schedule and the fourth Captain America movie, in the ongoing MCU. In some ways it will really be the first, as Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has officially taken on the title from Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. For that reason, it’s certainly a question to see how the new movie will perform, but now the star of Captain America: Brave New World is making headlines, but perhaps not for the right reasons.

Mackie made some recent comments while promoting the new Captain America film that caused something of a minor social media firestorm. This has resulted in him having to release a follow-up statement to clarify his comments.

Anthony Mackie Discussed What He Thought Captain America Represented, And Social Media Jumped On Him

Yesterday a clip went viral on Twitter of Anthony Mackie in Italy on the promotional tour for Captain America: Brave New World, which is set to release in a couple of weeks. In discussing what he thinks Captain America represents, Mackie said…

Needless to say, the comments putting some distance between Captain America and America itself didn’t go over well with a certain segment of social media. Many saw Mackie’s comments as an attack on America and/or Americans. The phrase “Captain Woke” was briefly trending on Twitter and many suggested Mackie’s comments would keep them out of the theater and that Brave New World's box office would suffer because of this. Comments included…

• “There goes another marvel movie in the drain.”
• “Pathetic”
• “To me, Captain America is Steve Rogers.”
• “He just sealed the fate of this franchise.”
• “That’s one way to tank the box office numbers”

Captain America was certainly designed as a patriotic character, created as a hero to fight Nazis during World War II. In the comics, Cap has frequently distanced itself from American politics, with the modern character generally focused on representing the ideals of America, not necessarily the American government.

Even in the MCU that has been the case, with Steve Rogers being unwilling to put the Avengers underneath U.S. government supervision during the events of Captain America: Civil War. Still, the backlash got so heated that eventually Mackie had to respond.

Anthony Mackie Clarified His Comments, Calling Himself A “Proud American”

In a post to Instagram, Anthony Mackie eventually posted a response to the backlash against him, clarifying that he is a proud American, and that he was simply trying to say that Captain America doesn’t only represent America, as he represents values that are held by people all over the word. Check out his full statement below.

In a global world, and one where the global box office matters (sometimes more than the domestic box office) Marvel certainly wants Captain America to appeal to more than just Americans. Perhaps Mackie's response will mollify those who were upset, and then the world can enjoy Captain America: Brave New World together.

There’s a lot of competition on the roster of 2025 movies, especially when it comes to the world of comic movies. With the upcoming Marvel movie Captain America: Brave New World set to be the first entry in that solo series since 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, there’s bound to be a ton of pressure on all involved.

Yet when it came to Anthony Mackie learning that he was going to be the next Cap from predecessor/co-star Chris Evans, there was absolutely no pressure at all. While Mackie’s reaction to learning he’d be the new Cap is something we have heard about previously, the actor went even deeper into the tale when appearing on Fandango’s Big Movies series. The Twisted Metal lead was asked if Chris Evans ever gave him a ‘pep talk’ about inheriting the shield, and that prompted Mackie to start things off with this fond memory:

Recalling the story where he and his fellow MCU actor were “jumping around in a circle, high-fiving” once Evans had “spoiled” the Avengers: Endgame secret, Anthony Mackie showed great reverence. Well, as much one can when gleefully describing an elaborate story that involved a bit of cloak and dagger that one would expect based on what we know about Captain America 4.

But that story is apparently crazier than anyone had previously known thanks to Chris Evans inviting his castmates to hang out at his temporary residence during the production of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. While this intense shoot let the Russo Brothers to regret their back-to-back production strategy, it did give us this some more hysterical context to this historical moment.

Apparently Evans spoiled Anthony Mackie's promotion through some very MCU theatrics, part of which had convinced Mackie that a new version of Endgame's script he hadn't read was going to kill off Sam Wilson. As you'll read in this anecdote recalled below, that couldn't have been further from the truth:

Like the man himself said, Anthony Mackie is indeed the new Cap! And we’ll get to see his cinematic debut on screens in Captain America: Brave New World, which opens on February 14th. For all things Marvel streaming, don’t forget to use your Disney+ subscription, as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will more than likely be important viewing for this chapter, as well as Thunderbolts*, in the year to come.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe looks a lot different these days as familiar faces are stepping into new roles, and newcomers joining the fray. Ahead of the highly anticipated Captain America: Brave New World, Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson became Cap, for instance. And, with that, Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres is now the Falcon, though the actor wasn’t always sure that would be the case. Ramirez actually just recalled the wild way Mackie and Sebastian Stan set him up to learn that his character would officially don the wings.

Before taking to the skies in the upcoming Marvel movie, Danny Ramirez made his MCU debut as Joaquin in the 2021 limited series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ramirez’s presence on the show was relatively limited compared to how big his role in the new film seems to be. With that, the Valley Girl alum was somewhat unsure about his standing alongside Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan and co.

However, as Ramirez explained, that eventually changed, and it started with a message from Stan:

The comments that Danny Ramirez shared with Fandango point to a switcheroo of sorts, which probably should’ve been expected by a pair of actors as the Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes actors. Ramirez went on to explain that that wasn’t the end of it either. Apparently, that reveal was followed up by what he describes as a truly wild night. While recalling that in the YouTube video, the On My Block alum also remembered what happened the next time he crossed paths with the A Different Man star:

Danny Ramirez is a talented actor, having broken the “glass ceiling” with Top Gun: Maverick and notched roles in No Exit, Look Both Ways, Stars at Noon and more. With the role of Joaquin Torres now his, Ramirez is part of a wave of young and diverse MCU heroes entering the fray. Brave New World will see Torres join Sam Wilson, as they attempt to uncover the root of a conspiracy that could have far-reaching implications. From a behind-the-scenes standpoint, Ramirez put in serious, even filming in 90-degree weather in Atlanta while in costume.

Hopefully, his efforts won’t be in vain, as Captain America 4 is circling a solid opening weekend at the box office. I, for one, am excited to see Joaquin Torres take flight on the big screen alongside Sam Wilson. As for right now, I’m loving Danny Ramirez’s story about his initiation of sorts. I look forward to the Brave New World press tour, during which he’ll hopefully divulge BTS antics that ensued amid production on the film

Captain America: Brave New World soars into theaters on February 14 as part of the 2025 movie schedule. To prepare, you can rewatch the other Cap films, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as well as the other Marvel movies in order using a Disney+ subscription.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes have a relationship that combines a deep friendship with endless antagonism. They’re one of the most entertaining odd couples in the MCU, and it seems that one of the reasons they work so well together on screen, is that the real-life friendship between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan is quite similar.

Both Mackie and Stan will be leading their own upcoming Marvel movies this year, Mackie with Captain America: Brave New World in February and Stan with Thunderbolts* in May. Appearing on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast, Sebastian Stan threw some shade at his fellow headliner, all in good fun of course. Despite being in two major films that have received awards seasons praise, A Different Man and The Apprentice, Stan says his 2024 was a quiet year, because he didn’t spend it with Mackie. Stan said…

While Sebastian Stan is having some fun at his friend’s expense, it’s quite the statement to say his year was quiet since apparently hanging out with Anthony Mackie is wilder than the entire Thunderbolts* team. Stan has compared the Marvel movie to The Breakfast Club for the way it throws together a bunch of misfit characters. One has to assume it was quite the busty movie considering Thunderbolts* cast is so stacked.

Mackie and Stan co-starred in the second Marvel series for Disney+, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. The characters made for entertaining allies as the two best friends of Captain America tried to navigate a world without him. They had somewhat different methods for playing the hero, but they teamed up quite well together. Now, each character's story will continue as each takes center stage.

From previous Captain America movies to the Avengers films to Falcon and Winter Soldier, these two actors have rarely appeared in Marvel movies without each other. This isn't even the first time Sebastian Stan has joked about making a movie without Anthony Mackie. It must feel a little odd for both to make a Marvel movie without the other.

Stan’s comments indicate that we won’t see either his or Mackie’s characters cross over from their own movies into each other this year. Though just before commenting above, Stan was asked if he appeared in Captain America: Brave New World and he deftly avoided answering the question. Of course, it’s possible that Stan does appear in the new Captain America movie, and simply doesn’t share a scene with Mackie. We could very easily see a post-credits scene in Brave New World that sets up Thunderbolts*.

Of course, putting these two in the same movie and not having them share a scene would be near criminal. They work so well together and clearly adore each other as people. Even if we won't see them together in the Marvel movies this year, hopefully it won’t be too much longer before they cross paths again.

The slate of upcoming Marvel movies has seen some shifts since Phase 5 and Phase 6 were initially announced at 2022’s San Diego Comic-Con. From the asterisk on the Thunderbolts title to the pivot of Robert Downey Jr. playing the next big MCU villain, the past couple of years have kept us on the edge of our seats regarding the universe’s future. However, did you know that the upcoming Captain America movie was almost called something else?

As the Captain America: Brave New World release date approaches its premiere on the 2025 movie schedule, its executive producer Nate Moore shared why the film swapped titles from its original name Captain America: New World Order with Empire (via Comic Book Movie). In his words:

While the original title, “New World Order” seemed to be a reference to the first episode title of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the set of words is also a term used in numerous conspiracy theories about a secretly emerging totalitarian world government. It makes complete sense that Marvel didn’t want to connect itself with the modern conspiracy theory after the title received feedback from the public and people within Marvel Studios and the production.

The new title Brave New World, which was announced in June of 2023, presents a much more hopeful image for Anthony Mackie’s debut film as Captain America.

It also separates itself from being misconstrued as an adaptation of a famous conspiracy. “New World Order” could certainly also mean a big change in the social systems and politics, but as Moore shared, it was not the right title to market the movie.

Along with Anthony Mackie leading the Captain America: Brave New World cast, Danny Ramirez will return as Joaquín Torres after his debut in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Harrison Ford is also set to debut as the Red Hulk, and even fight Mackie’s Captain America. You can check out the latest trailer for Brave New World below:

Brave New World could especially be a big movie for the MCU because Nate Moore also gave hints in the same interview that Sam Wilson’s Cap could be leading the new Avengers team.

Brave New World hits theaters on February 14, before Thunderbolts* arrives in May, effectively setting the stage for Marvel Phase 6, which will also feature Fantastic Four and two Avengers movies. We can’t wait to see what “brave new world” the upcoming 2025 movie will be referring to.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) is a wildly popular franchise, and even some of the biggest stars are fans themselves. Fan who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order know that Anthony Mackie has appeared a number of times on the small and silver screens. He has a funny take on his "favorite character" The Hulk, but he makes a great point.

What we know about Captain America: Brave New World is limited, but fans are hyped about Mackie taking center stage for the upcoming Marvel movie. The trailers for Brave New World showed off Red Hulk, and it turns out that the Hurt Locker actor is a big fan of the giant green guy. While speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase (via Deadline), Mackie shared how much he's always loved Hulk, offering:

We all have our favorite Avengers, including Mackie himself. And really, what's not to like about a giant green guy who can take on pretty much anyone in battle? And Mackie's inner child must be hyped about him shared scenes with Hulk in the MCU.

But just because he's a Hulk super fan doesn't mean he doesn't have some longtime concerns about the hero famously played by Mark Ruffalo in the MCU. Later in that same appearance he got honest, saying:

Some serious points were made. If all of the rest of Bruce Banner's clothes end up shredded upon transforming into The Hulk, why don't those signature purple pants do the same? I mean, are they all actually elastic? Even if they were, the green guy is absolutely massive and should logically ruin any of Banner's pants.

After spending years playing The Falcon, Anthony Mackie will lead the cast list of Captain America: Brave New World. It should be fascinating to see how this all goes down, and how he's able to battle with Red Hulk despite never taking the Super Soldier Serum. This should make the action sequences feel very high stakes, and unique because they'll presumably include so much flying.

Of course, fans are already looking forward to upcoming crossover moments like Avengers: Doomsday. This would presumably be where Mackie will get to once again come face to face with The Hulk.

Captain America: Brave New World will fly into theaters February 14th. For now, check the 2025 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

Anthony Mackie has given great performances in a number of major Marvel movies throughout his career, and playing Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, has made him a household name. Despite the iconic nature of these films, the actor has apparently never been interested in a costume or prop from the sets, and has refrained from swiping anything for his personal collection. However, it seems like he did take one thing from one of his movies that he was in with Seth Rogen, and it was a surprising piece of holiday garb.

The Captain America: Brave New World star got into the Christmas spirit this season by posting a photo of himself on Instagram in front of his decorated tree. He was notably wearing a familiar looking red Christmas sweater with a Santa Claus on it, which fans may have noticed was from the movie The Night Before. He confirmed in his caption that this was a rare instance of him stealing from set, and shouted out co-star Seth Rogen in the post. You can see the photo below:

For context, The Night Before was a holiday comedy film released in 2015 that starred Mackie, Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It was about the crazy R-rated shenanigans a group of friends got up to on Christmas Eve. The Night Before got some solid reviews, is a cult favorite among many comedy fans, and a rare instance of Mackie dipping his toe into the comedy genre. The experience clearly meant a lot to him considering he isn’t one to take from a movie set.

It’s totally understandable he’d want the Christmas sweater, as the sweaters in the movie were meant to be funny and applicable to each character. It’s also a wardrobe staple for the holiday season, and something he can wear year after year. The Falcon helmet and the Captain America shield may be a cool piece of memorabilia, but they aren’t exactly practical wardrobe pieces that Mackie could continue to wear. If I was an actor, I’d want to swipe some of the clothes too, especially from such a fun movie like The Night Before.

This picture and the Seth Rogen shoutout makes me want this cast to reunite again. Mackie has a great comedic streak and has showcased his sense of humor in interviews. He may be committed to the number of upcoming Marvel movies coming down the pike, but I’d love to see him star in another comedy. R-rated romps rarely get theatrical releases anymore, but with Mackie’s rising movie star status and Rogen’s history of making hilarious films doing well at the box office, maybe they can make movie magic happen again. I’m sure Mackie would love another sweater.

It may be a while before something like this comes into fruition, but in the meantime, you can revisit Anthony Mackie and Seth Rogen in The Night Before, which is currently streaming with a Starz subscription. Fans of Mackie actor can next see him in Captain America: Brave New World, which is set to hit theaters on February 14th, 2025. For more information on other exciting titles heading to the big screen next year, make sure to consult our 2025 movie release schedule.

Although February’s Captain America: Brave New World focused first and foremost on giving Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson to shine after he officially embraced the star-spangled mantle in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this upcoming Marvel movie is also making good use with the Hulk mythos. Liv Tyler is making her long-awaited turn as Betty Ross, Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Sterns, a.k.a. The Leader, is serving as the main antagonist, and not only is Harrison Ford taking over as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross from the late William Hurt, he’ll also transform into Red Hulk. But wait, how can Sam, a character who doesn’t have the Super Soldier Serum in him, handle a battle against such a monstrosity? Well, we have the answer.

While the specific circumstances of how Ross, who’s now President of the United States, likely won’t be known until Brave New World is released on the 2025 movies schedule, producer Nate Moore acknowledged that figuring out the fight between Red Hulk and the new Captain America was a “big hurdle.” Dan Cox, the visual effects supervisor from Weta, pointed out that that if Sam “takes a punch, his head's going to go flying." That’s why our main protagonist will be outfitted with a vibranium-laced wing suit from Wakanda, although that’s only going to help him “somewhat,” with Moore explaining to EW:

Not only that, but judging by what was show in the latest Captain America: Brave New World trailer, it looks like President Ross isn’t willingly transforming into Red Hulk, but rather someone is forcing him to change. This has The Leader’s fingerprints all over it, but more importantly this means that Sam Wilson will have to neutralize the empowered Ross without killing him. That would be hard enough for Bruce Banner to do in his Smart Hulk form, and while it’s good to hear that the vibranium wingsuit offers Sam some protection, he’s going to have one hell of a time pulling off this victory.

My guess is that like in the comics, Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk emits more heat as he gets angrier rather than gets stronger like Hulk does. So rather than trying to fight brawn with brawn, which is a losing proposition, Captain America will fly around and evade Red Hulk’s attacks until his opponent is hit with heat exhaustion and collapses. Hopefully from there Ross reverts back to normal and doesn’t become stuck in that gigantic form.

Other important characters appear in Captain America: Brave New World include Danny Ramirez’s Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon; Shira Haas’ Ruth Bat-Seraph, a loose adaptation of Sabra from the comics; Giancarlo Esposito’s Seth Voelker, a.k.a. Sidewinder; and Carl Lumbly’s Isaiah Bradley. Julius Noah Onah directed Captain America 4 and wrote the screenplay with Peter Glanz and Matthew Orton. This will be the penultimate movie in the MCU’s Phase Five, with Thunderbolts* wrapping things up a few months later.

With Captain America: Brave New World hitting theaters on February 14, make sure you’re caught up on Sam Wilson’s prior MCU adventures ahead of time. You can do that by streaming his Marvel movies in order, as well as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, with your Disney+ subscription.

Anthony Mackie has put in serious work as far as the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes. Since his debut as Sam Wilson/The Falcon in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he’s been a steady presence within the sprawling franchise. Sam and Mackie, by extension, took a major step forward in 2021 when the character took on the mantle of Cap. Mackie is now set to headline the long-awaited Captain America: Brave New World and, ahead of that the actor earned an honor that only Scarlett Johansson and few other MCU vets have reached.

The aforementioned upcoming Marvel movie marks the first solo film for Anthony Mackie’s Wilson, and that fact only puts him in the company of MCU alums like Robert Downey Jr., Brie Larson and Chadwick Boseman. However, thanks to Brave New World, Mackie now possesses an even rarer distinction. Walt Disney Pictures released the official credits for the movie, which revealed that Mackie is named as an executive producer. That’s certainly a big deal, considering that only a few actors in this franchise have been granted that title.

As it stands, only three other actors have been EPs for MCU movies. Scarlett Johansson served as an EP on Black Widow and holds the same duties on the upcoming Thunderbolts*. Chris Hemsworth received that same credit for Thor: Love and Thunder, and Ryan Reynolds served as a producer on 2024 movie schedule entry Deadpool & Wolverine. As for TV shows in the franchise, Tom Hiddleston was an EP on Loki, while Samuel L. Jackson and Oscar Isaac were for Secret Invasion and Moon Knight, respectively.

It makes sense that Anthony Mackie would be named an EP on his latest superhero flick – and that’s not just because he plays the lead role. As mentioned, he’s more than paid his dues when it comes to the House of Mouse’s massive comic book-inspired IP. Considering the executive producer credit, Mackie likely had more say when it came to creative-related conversations. This isn’t the A-lister’s first foray into producing either, as he did so for the films Io, Outside the Wire and The Banker as well as the recently released Elevation.

By all accounts, the actor/producer has relished the opportunity to lead his own MCU film. This comes years after Spider-Man star Tom Holland dissed him over the fact that there wasn’t a Falcon film. It was for that reason that earlier this year, the Half Nelson alum absolutely roasted his MCU buddy Holland while at San Diego Comic-Con. Amid his excitement, the Detroit actor also defended the Brave New World title, as he feels it marks a new beginning for his character and those in his orbit.

The fourth film in the Cap series will see Sam Wilson attempting to get to the bottom of a far-reaching conspiracy that puts him at odds with U.S. President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Brave New World trailers have teased a flick filled with action, drama and espionage and, of course, it’ll also mark the MCU debut of the Red Hulk. There are a lot of expectations for the Julius Onah-directed film, and I’m hopeful that it’ll live up to them.

I’d also be curious to hear about the kinds of conversations that Anthony Mackie participated in as one of the producers of the film. The trend of actors simultaneously serving as producers is becoming more common in Hollywood, and it’d be great to see it continue when it comes to the MCU.

Check out Captain America: Brave New World when it opens in theaters on February 14 as part of the 2025 movie schedule. You can also use a Disney+ subscription to stream the Marvel movies in order, including the first three films in the Cap franchise.

As the Captain America: Brave New World release date approaches in less than three months, Marvel fans can look forward to seeing Anthony Mackie leading his first movie as Captain America. But since we learned that Robert Downey Jr. will be the next big Avengers villain, we’re already looking forward to the reunion between the Marvel stars. Mackie recently had a great response to the upcoming matchup, too.

In a newly released interview when Mackie and Danny Ramirez were in Brazil for the country’s own D23, the new Captain America reacted to fighting Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom once the former Iron Man actor takes up the role. In his words:

While RDJ was leading the Avengers team to glory against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame back in 2019, oh how the tables have turned. When speaking to Nerdbunker, the Captain America actor joked that the Oscar-winner has earned what’s coming for him when he debuts as Doctor Doom. He’s expected to make his big debut when the Avengers: Doomsday release date arrives in May 2026. His new MCU character is also expected to lead Avengers: Secret Wars, which comes out the following year.

During this summer’s Marvel showing at Hall H during San Diego Comic-Con, the studio shocked audiences when the Iron Man actor made a surprise appearance to announce he’ll be playing Doctor Doom in two upcoming Marvel movies.

While it was previously supposed to be Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror to follow Thanos as the Avengers’ next big villain, after Majors dealt with legal issues and allegations, the MCU decided to pivot to Doctor Doom instead. Since we’re in The Multiverse Saga, there’s something perhaps twistedly poetic about Downey being the team’s next adversary.

Fans have been mixed on Downey’s casting thus far, but there is something kind of fun about the Avengers cast getting to have beef with RDJ and his character after his amazing legacy as Tony Stark. Previously, Anthony Mackie made similar comments when speaking about the Doctor Doom reveal overshadowing the Brave New World footage at SDCC. Mackie joked he hopes he gets to “punch” RDJ in the next Avengers movie.

After Iron Man got an iconic ending with Avengers: Endgame by sacrificing himself for the universe by defeating Thanos after using the Infinity Stones to reverse the villain’s plot, it will certainly be interesting to see the actor get a chance to play a very different role in the MCU. He'll be reuniting with the Russo Brothers for the two Avengers films, which reportedly was a condition for his return.

You can check out Mackie in the latest Captain America: Brave New World trailer ahead of its release on February 14, 2025.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for constantly expanding, thanks to project in theaters and streaming with a Disney+ subscription. Anthony Mackie has played Sam Wilson in both, and will return in the upcoming Marvel movie Captain America: Brave New World. This will be the first time he's leading the franchise, and Mackie recently explained how Sam not having the Super Soldier Serum affects the blockbuster's action.

What we know about Captain America: Brave New World is limited, but fans who spent years watching the Marvel movies in order are eager to see just how different it'll be with a new Cap. While speaking at the Disney APAC Content Showcase in Singapore (via Deadline) about the blockbuster, the Hurt Locker actor explained just how unique the action will be this time around. He said:

Honestly, sign me up. Steve Rogers had the serum to help give him more power and durability before Cap's departure in Endgame. And while Sam Wilson had the opportunity to take the Super Soldier serum, the finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier showed him refusing it, and putting his own wing-infused spin on the title of Captain America.

Mackie's comments about Sam Wilson needing to be more strategic during the battles of Captain America: Brave New World make a great deal of sense, and it sounds like each action piece will have high stakes given how vulnerable the title character is to injury. And when you add in the fact that Sam will be going to battle against Red Hulk, and it certainly seems like he's going to have to be very careful in order to survive.

The Captain America: Brave New World trailers have offered limited footage so far, which should presumably help to keep the movie's secrets under wraps. In addition to seeing Sam Wilson's Cap, fans are also hyped for the movie's various connections to The Incredible Hulk. That includes the long-awaited return of Liv Tyler as Betty Ross.

While Sam Wilson will be much easier to injure and kill than Steve Rogers, fans are expecting Anthony Mackie's character to ultimately survive Brave New World and appear in future MCU projects. Specifically the forthcoming crossover events like Avengers: Doomsday.

All will be revealed when Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters February 14th. For now, check the 2025 movie release dates to plan your trips to the movies in the New Year.