Hollywood’s newest Captain America is here, but not everyone is happy about it. Anthony Mackie has officially taken over the mantle from Chris Evans, marking a major shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While many fans are excited to see Mackie’s Sam Wilson step up as the iconic superhero, others have expressed outrage—simply because he is Black.

Mackie’s transition into the role was set up in Avengers: Endgame (2019), when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) passed the shield to Sam Wilson. The storyline continued in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), where Wilson struggled with taking on the responsibility before finally embracing the role of Captain America. Now, he will officially lead Captain America: Brave New World, set for release in 2025.

However, some critics have attacked the decision, labeling it as a “woke” move and claiming that Captain America should remain a white character. Online debates have erupted, with detractors arguing that Steve Rogers is the only true Cap, while supporters praise the MCU for staying true to the comic books, where Sam Wilson also took up the mantle.

Despite the backlash, Marvel Studios is standing firm in its decision, emphasizing that Mackie’s Captain America represents evolution, diversity, and the true values of the superhero—justice, leadership, and hope.

With Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon, all eyes will be on Anthony Mackie as he takes flight as the new symbol of heroism in the Marvel Universe. Whether critics accept it or not, Sam Wilson is now Captain America.