During Black History Month, Kendrick Lamar’s iconic and symbolic yet subversive half-time show performance is still stirring up conversations with similar parallels to that of “Captain America: Brave New World” about representing Black-American culture and having a seat at the table.
“Captain America: Brave New World” is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson. Sam takes up the mantle of Captain America, the hero previously known as Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans). Given the divide in America, the film brings division among fans and critics. They are questioning whether or not Sam is qualified for the shield.
Anthony Mackie Taking up The “Captain America” Title
Despite the film receiving a B-CinemaScore, ‘the worst grade bestowed on any title in the MCU,’ fans are still flocking to the theaters as the superhero flick scored one of the top domestic openings for the Presidents Day holiday and the biggest opening of 2025 to date. According to THR, “Brave New World” opened with an impressive $100M in the U.S. and $192M internationally.
Sam Wilson is a Black man without superpowers taking on the role of Captain America. The fictional comic book character was initially portrayed as a blonde-haired and blue-eyed white man. This isn’t entirely new to comic book fans. However, the idea of a Black man serving as the patriotic superhero was first introduced over two decades ago with Wilson becoming Cap in the comics. A Black Captain America in the movies became a heated, controversial topic.
There was backlash from some fans who were upset with Evans’ departure. Many claim that Mackie isn’t capable of taking on the leading role. Some even went as far as threatening to boycott the movie. The issue of a Black Captain America in the MCU ignited during the events of 2019’s “Avengers Endgame” when Chris Evans, who portrayed the American hero on-screen for eight years, passed the mantle onto Mackie’s Falcon.
“Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty” Connection
The premise of a Black man picking up the mantle was introduced in 1998 by writer Mark Waid in his “Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty” run. This is when Wilson first takes on the identity. “America belongs to all the people –” —Captain America (Samuel Wilson)
We first saw Sam officially suited up as Cap in the miniseries, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (2021). The series centered not only on the battles as superheroes after the “Blip,” but also on the obstacles he had to face as a Black man taking up the shield. The Disney+ series explored themes of racial injustice, identity, and responsibility as Sam struggled with accepting the weight of the role. Sam struggles with navigating the societal implications of being a Black Captain America. The series was praised for tackling issues such as racial discrimination and highlighting the Black experience in America.
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” deals with heavy themes. These include the introduction of Carl Lumbly’s character, Isaiah Bradley, the Korean War veteran. Bradley was unwillingly given super soldier serum. Also, the government feared the ramifications of an African American super soldier. Bradley was then experimented on for over thirty years. There are integral moments between Sam and Rhodes, reflecting on black superheroes in white spaces. Then, audiences see Sam’s challenging efforts to get a loan for his sister. He is faced with racial prejudice, a behavior all too familiar in this country.
Anthony Mackie’s Reactions to “Brave New World” Backlash
Mackie faced similar prejudices and backlash during his press run. There were “woke” and DEI complaints, even going as far as having to clear remarks about the film. While promoting the film, Anthony Mackie talks about what it means to be playing a Black Captain America.: “I think it’s just as important for black kids to see a black Captain America as it is for white kids. Growing up, my favorite hero was green, it wasn’t about race or anything. It was about him being a good guy trying to do the right thing.” Adding he’s a “proud American” and that Captain America is “important for kids of all races” so they can have someone to look up to regardless of their race.
In a Marvel Italia spot, he highlights what Captain America represents: “A man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable. An aspect of a dream come true.”
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He even refers to the pressures of taking on the mantle in the film. “I know what it’s like to feel you have something to prove,” Sam tells President Ross (Ford) in an exchange following the attack on Ross’ life. Sam tells the president that he overwhelmingly understands what he’s going through.
There are also deeper messages in the film about responsibility, in terms of building the future teams in the MCU. Sam tells First Lieutenant Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) that, “If I’m not on point, I let everyone who wants a seat at that table down… that’s pressure. It makes you feel that you’re not enough.” Torres takes on Sam’s former mantle of Falcon. He was inspired by Wilson, not Rogers, and found an Avenger relatable and approachable.
Anthony Mackie Reveals Surprising Connection to Kendrick Lamar
In an exclusive with Entertainment Tonight Anthony Mackie revealed “a surprising connection to Kendrick Lamar.” He revealed that “Kendrick did the title song for my movie. I hope that’s not supposed to be a surprise. I’m breaking it here first. I’m so excited, man. The beauty and mastery of his craft.”
While Lamar’s involvement wasn’t mentioned until Mackie’s interview, the actor didn’t reveal other details about the track aside from his enthusiasm and praise of the iconic rapper.
Kendrick Lamar created the title track for “Captain America: Brave New World” after his viral, galvanizing Super Bowl halftime performance. His track “N95” was also featured in a teaser trailer for the film.
This isn’t Lamar’s first stint with Marvel either. He oversaw the prominent Black Panther soundtrack back in 2018, including the titular smash hit “Black Panther” and “All The Stars.” Kendrick, known for his political messaging, centered his Halftime performance on symbolism and his intentional color coordination of the American flag and the Black experience living in two very different Americas. His overarching message was put on display. The lyrics and intricately detailed performance art symbolized being unapologetically Black and different threads of American history. His performance received very divisive reactions, especially amongst those who also don’t like the idea of a Black Captain America.
Sam’s Journey and Growth Throughout His MCU Tenure
“Brave New World” explores themes of leadership, race, responsibility, and the struggles of navigating as a superhero. Furthermore, the music plays an important role in the overall emotional weight of the film. Featuring an excellent soundtrack of predominantly Black artists with a range of hip-hop, rap and pop tracks, the culturally relevant music ties into the action-heavy sequences or emotional moments. It includes other tracks from Lamar. “i” by Kendrick Lamar, a song about trials and tribulations, plays leading into “Brave New World’s” credits.
The underlying message is that no one expected Sam to take over. Wilson doesn’t even have the benefit of the Super Soldier Serum. He relies on wits, strength, well-refined physical prowess, martial arts, combat, and strategy. More significantly, he represents the idea that anyone can be a superhero. It is not just those who are enhanced or overprivileged. His journey and growth throughout his MCU tenure exemplify why Steve made the right choice in picking the Air Force Veteran as his successor. BNW reinforced why Sam Wilson was always meant to carry the shield. It stands for hope, justice, and the protection of the innocent.
Sam’s resume not only includes a military background as a US Air Force pararescueman, expertise in skydiving, climbing, and survival in extreme environments, training in aerial combat (using a wing pack called Falcon), but also working as a counselor for veterans with PTSD. Sam wasn’t just a fighter with experience on the front lines, but also served as a healer and a mentor. The world needed someone to represent similar ideals that Rogers once stood for. Similar to Sam (why Steve chose him), Rogers is humble. He is a voice for the people and not just a symbol. A leader who could unite and inspire people, not just fight the bad guys. Sam Wilson embodied all of those qualities. Yet, he always has to prove his worth.
