After studying at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, Anthony Mackie acted in plays on Broadway before appearing in films like “Real Steel,” “We Are Marshall,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “The Adjustment Bureau” and “The Hurt Locker.”
Playing passionate, outspoken characters is something the busy Mackie doesn’t mind doing, for instance, as the airborne Falcon (Sam Wilson) in 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” up to “Captain America: Civil War.”
But it’s Mackie’s comedic skills that make their mark, beginning with a hilarious appearance in 2015’s “Ant-Man,” and now, in “Civil War.” He practically steals every scene he’s in. Director Joe Russo admits that Mackie improvised some of his funny lines.
In “Civil War,” Mackie makes his fourth appearance as the Falcon and says he’s maximized his study of Sam Wilson. “I feel like I explored him to the full extent,” he says. “I’m happy about how the character has grown.”
He also has no qualms doing an ensemble part in “Civil War,” even not having his name on the poster. “What I love about the Russos is they give everyone the opportunity to be the lead in the movie. My character is just as important as everybody else. I’ve made some lifelong friends because of this.”
Mackie appreciates the on-screen friendship between the Falcon and Captain America. “When you’re with your friends, you can be vulnerable. You can see that with Cap and Falcon. I love where my character is. I feel like we’re the true epitome of friendship,” he says, adding it’s a friendship based on “the idea of understanding, compassion and admiration.”
The 37-year-old Mackie has been identified as everybody’s favorite guy on the “Civil War” set. “Anthony Mackie brings a certain energy to the set. I’ve been making movies for 20 years now, and there are certain people who come on set who have an endorsement for life,” co-star Chris Evans tells Inquirer Super.
Asked how he feels about people calling the Falcon’s get-up a “birdsuit,” Mackie feigns exaggerated outrage and says, “Say that one more time, homie? ‘Birdsuit.’ I’m gonna beat this dude up after.”
He then proceeds to insult the costumes of everyone on Team Iron Man, describing Iron Man’s armor as “a Coca-Cola can.”
There’s more video evidence of his humor, various clips of Mackie celebrating successful scenes with a loud “Cut the check!”
The boisterous and playful Mackie has been enjoying the promotional tour for “Civil War,” meeting the locals and eating the food.
Mackie (whose favorite character growing up was the Incredible Hulk) appreciates the wonderful opportunity he’s been given in these movies. “We’re lucky. The fun comes in the security of being in the Marvel Universe,” he says. “It’s the only franchise in the history of movies where you show up, you know it’s going to be a good, it’s going to be received well. You know you’re going to look your best.”
Like the Falcon—and indeed, virtually every other character he has ever played in his packed career—Mackie knows all about taking a stand: “Everyone wants to put you somewhere, but you should decide where you should be.” Ruel S. De Vera