Black actor Anthony Mackie on a director's race and gender: “I don't think it's important at all.”
So far, most superhero movies have been run by predominantly white people. According to Screen Rant, all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films have been starred by white men and women, and have been directed by white men.
The first MCU film to star a black superhero lead, “Black Panther,” is still two years away from now, and currently, Marvel is looking for a black male director to lead the movie production at the helm. Fans have noted that MCU films have lacked ethnic diversity, but as Marvel plans to do this, what do people have to say?
Discussions have risen regarding the matter, as to whether or not the black superhero-led film will be directed by a black director as well. For this, actor Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson/Falcon, Captain America's BFF and superhero ally, has something to say.
“I don’t think it’s important at all,” said the black actor in an interview with the Daily Beast.
“As a director your job is to tell a story. You know, they didn’t get a horse to direct Seabiscuit! The thing is I don’t think the race of the director has to do with their ability to tell a story. I think it’s all about the director’s ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice. I think men can direct women, and two of my greatest work experiences were with female directors,” explained Mackie.
Mackie has worked with female directors before, such as the Best Picture winner "The Hurt Locker," directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Bigelow, apparently, did justice to the narrative in the best way.
“So I think it all depends. May the best man—or woman—win.”
Mackie has reportedly appeared as Falcon in three films already. Last year he made his debut as Sam Wilson in "Captain America: Winter Soldier," and returned for the same role in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," and had a short appearance in "Ant-Man." Recently, he had just finished wraps at the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War movie," and will be likely to appear in more MCU films in the future.
“I am now an Avenger,” he said, proudly. “But no one tells me anything. You never know when they’re going to call you, you just want to be ready when they do.”
Chad Bosewick will star in “Black Panther,” releasing on Feb. 16, 2018.
