Marvel’s most ambitious film yet, Captain America: Civil War, is ramping up to go into production this spring. The world is eagerly awaiting to see the adaptation of the epic showdown that pitted the Marvel universe against itself. The two quarelling ideologies were personified in Iron Man and Captain America, who go head to head in a bloody battle. No one is more eager to see this story come to the big screen than the Falcon himself, Anthony Mackie.
In a recent interview with I Am Rogue, during a promotional run for his upcoming movie Black or White, Mackie went into depth about his excitement for what Marvel has in store.
Marvel is known for being very secretive with their scripts and their future plans. So much so that Mackie didn’t know for sure if he was even involved in Civil War. Here is what he had to say.
I didn’t know. When we finished Cap 2 I asked and begged to come back, literally. So I found out when everybody else did. I got a call from my manager. He said, “They’re going to put you in Cap 3.” It’s always a surprise with Marvel, man. If you are not one of those like Thor or Cap, then you have no idea. The only person that had an early version of the script and read the outline was Chris Evans. I talk to him all the time because we are good friends and he would always say, “Man, the movie is going to be good.” I’m like, am I in it? He would say, “It’s going to be a big movie.” So he would never tell me if I was in it or not. Even he keeps secrets. It’s a dirty business.
It is interesting that Marvel Studios treats the actors that play the core of the Marvel cinematic universe, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, like they are actually superheroes to the studio. It’s also encouraging that everyone that has seen the script is genuinely excited about it as well.
Mackie was then asked if he had read the Civil War storyline from the comics.
I have. You know, I’m not sure how close it will stay because I haven’t read anything. I just found out literally this week. I haven’t gotten a script or an outline. I don’t know how much of it I’m going to be in. I have no idea how they are going to use me. But you know, the Civil War comic book, there is so much there. I don’t know how they are going to condense it and make it into a movie because it is a civil war. It’s epic! Look at the way it’s going now when they announced Phase 3, with Black Panther and Dr. Strange coming into the fold. I have no idea what they are going to do with this movie. I just know that Cap 3 has to be better than Cap 2. So I know Cap 3 is going to be mind-blowing.
Mackie is very aware of the expanding Marvel universe. There are rumors that the core of the Avengers may not be headlining Infinity War Pt 1 and that many secondary characters would step to the forefront. Black Panther and Doctor Strange represent an influx of new faces that may shape the future identity of Marvel’s films.
Mackie was asked if he was familiar with Black Panther and if he was excited to see him added to the Marvel cinematic universe.
I was very, very excited. When we were shooting Cap 2 I would always have conversations with them about Black Panther because I wanted to stress the importance of that character to the movie going populous. I couldn’t be happier that they cast Chadwick (Boseman). He’s a remarkable young man. I’ve known him off and on for over ten years now. I first met him in ’98 at Howard (University) down in D.C. I’ve only known him from a far. But the more I’ve heard of him from people who are in his inner circle, the more I’ve been proud of the fact that someone who did the work, and did their due diligence, is being rewarded at a rate like this in his career because he truly deserves it.
The universal praise for Chadwick Boseman is more than a little bit encouraging. Both the Falcon and Black Panther were trailblazing superheroes in comic book history, so it will be more than a little interesting to see how T’Challa is brought to life. If the concept art is indication, it is clear why Mackie would be so excited.
Mackie was then asked what side would Falcon choose in the Civil War dispute, Tony Stark or Steve Rogers.
Listen; you would never meet anybody that doesn’t want to hangout with Tony Stark. Tony’s the man! I have no idea. I have no idea how they are going to use me. I have no idea how they are going to introduce all of those characters.
Clearly Mackie is being coy, because unless there are some major plot twists (and there surely will be), Falcon is always on Cap’s left. Ready for battle.
Mackie then went to explain the importance of Robert Downey Jr. to not just Captain America: Civil War, but to the Marvel cinematic universe at large.
It’s huge! It’s funny, I’ve met Robert a few times and I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what he would be like because he is such a mega star and has had so many phases of his career. I have to say, he couldn’t be more of a down to Earth, fun to be around, cool, smart person. Every time you talk to him, it’s just mind-blowing the stories he tells, and the way he looks at this Iron Man phenomenon and how it’s helping him in the third phase of his career to open doors to do projects that he has wanted to do forever but couldn’t. The great thing about these Marvel movies is that everybody in the world sees them. Not just everybody in California and New York, everybody in the world! That’s something that an actor can only dream of having that opportunity.
There has been an interesting change in perspective with actors and superhero movies as of late. Particularly actors involved in Marvel Studios. It was once seen as a huge risk to sign a multi-picture deal with a studio. However, Marvel Studios has almost erased that stigma by consistently creating quality films. The profile of all actors that participate are raised from their involvement, which not only helps their bank account, but also gives them leverage to get other movies made that might not have otherwise.
Since he was cast in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Mackie has consistently joked that he wants the classic Falcon costume from the seventies, complete with the bird and feathers. He has actually been joking about it for so long, it’s hard to tell if he is actually serious or not.
I want my bird, man. I want my bird! The thing is, you know I’ve been emailing with people over at Marvel. I’ve putting it out there in the ethos that I’m going to have a new and improved costume and come out all flashy in spandex. So I’m hoping that I get a new and improved costume. That’s my whole thing. I’ve just been saying it, hoping that they’ll read it and say, “Alright, we have to give Anthony a new costume.” Please, dress me up in spandex!
There has been a lot of logical speculation that he will indeed get a new and improved Falcon suit, courtesy of Stark Industries at some point.
Mackie wrapped up his interview by addressing if he is going to be in Avengers: Age of Ultron this summer.
I hope. At this point, I have not. I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope. They’re doing reshoots and that’s why I’m letting them know I’m available. So whatever weekend they want me there, I’ll fly myself out and shoot whatever scene they want me in. Even if it’s like, “Oh man, it’s Iron Man and Hulk.” But I heard today in one of the interviews that someone thought I was in Ant-Man. I hope so! I hope I’m in Ant-Man. I hope I’m in Hulk 3, I hope I’m in Thor 3, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Me and Groot can boogie!
It may have just been a stream of consciousness or Mackie may just be wishing, but all of the films that he mentioned have been formally announced productions, aside from Hulk 3. Is it possible that there are in fact plans for that solo franchise that he has gotten wind of? Hard to say, but fans of Planet Hulk are certainly hoping for the best.
Captain America: Civil War will be released on May 6th, 2016.
It seems that Mackie and Marvel Studios are in the driver’s seat with both the upcoming Civil War movie and the future slate of films to come. What did you find to be the most interesting thing Mackie had to say? Let us know on the comment boards and make sure to share our stories on Reddit, , , and !
Source: I Am Rogue