Anthony Mackie made an interesting comparison during an interview with The Daily Beast this week, when he was asked whether he feels that it’s important that a black director directs Marvel’s first black superhero movie, Black Panther.
“I don’t think it’s important at all,” he said, and then added, “As a director your job is to tell a story. You know, they didn’t get a horse to direct Seabiscuit!”
Mackie continued by saying: “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. So I think it all depends. May the best man—or woman—win.”
The Captain America star and Our Brand is Crisis actor remarks hit the Internet, people went crazy. Many people found Mackie’s comments ridiculous and out of sync with the African American community, while others saw it as a bad joke.
@EW : I wish he would go sit down somewhere! pic.twitter.com/z1qkTafjkO
— Renee Rousseau (@raye8405) October 22, 2015
Anthony Mackie is a problematic guy. — Jovan Danté Miles (@JovanDM) October 23, 2015
oh for the love of God, shut the fuck UP. Anthony Mackie is out here doing his best Raven Symoné impression & I am tired.
— michonne’s daughter (@missD0MINIQUE) October 23, 2015
Not sure why ppl are surprised by Anthony Mackie having #FootInMouth disease. he did nce say “women have their place” #NeverApologizedEither — castielcampbell (@madatroytka) October 23, 2015
Anthony Mackie Doesn’t Care If ‘Black Panther’ Director Is Black: “They Didn’t Get a Horse to Direct ‘Seabiscuit'” pic.twitter.com/awlBm3oZ3z
— Warhammer (@softjunebreeze) October 22, 2015
This is the second time this week that Anthony Mackie’s comments stirred up controversy. On Tuesday, the actor made headlines after he endorsed Donald Trump for President. “I would 100 percent want to run Trump’s campaign. 100 percent. I mean, first that’ll be the best party ever when he won, and second, Trump’s an easy sell,” he told BET.
But, after the interview surfaced online and people started bashing the actor, Mackie took to Twitter to explain that it was just a joke. “Sorry Donald, that wasn’t an endorsement. Just a bad attempt at a joke, I guess?”
Related Black Panther news:
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Why Ava DuVernay Quit Marvel’s “Black Panther”
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Director of ‘Selma’ to Direct Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ Movie
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Captain America 3: Ant-Man, Black Panther to Appear
What do you think of Anthony Mackie’s comments? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!