In the grand tradition of declaring Saturdays “for the boys” and bromances sacred, Anthony Mackie has some thoughts about his onscreen chemistry with Sebastian Stan. In a new interview with Variety published on Thursday, the Falcon and Winter Soldier star dispelled any indication that a romance could be brewing between his character, Sam Wilson, and Stan’s Bucky Barnes.
“So many things are twisted and convoluted. There’s so many things that people latch on to with their own devices to make themselves relevant and rational,” Mackie told the outlet. “The idea of two guys being friends and loving each other in 2021 is a problem because of the exploitation of homosexuality.” He went on to suggest that the sanctity of male friendships had somehow been tarnished by fans hoping for a Bucky and Sam relationship. “It used to be guys can be friends, we can hang out, and it was cool. You would always meet your friends at the bar, you know. You can’t do that anymore, because something as pure and beautiful as homosexuality has been exploited by people who are trying to rationalize themselves.”
Fans have long wondered when the Marvel Cinematic Universe will introduce a superhero who is also part of the LGBTQ community. The burgeoning intimacy between Sam and Bucky, which began as animosity at season’s start, fueled rumors of the pair’s romantic future. But Mackie insisted that theirs is a platonic relationship: “Bucky and Sam have a relationship where they learn how to accept, appreciate and love each other. You’d call it a bromance, but it’s literally just two guys who have each other’s backs.”
Shortly after Mackie’s Variety interview was published, his name began trending on Twitter. Many took issue with the fact he took such lengths to deny a Sam and Bucky romance.
Elsewhere during the interview, Mackie explained the importance of portraying “a sensitive masculine figure” onscreen. “There’s nothing more masculine than being a superhero and flying around and beating people up,” he said. “But there’s nothing more sensitive than having emotional conversations and a kindred spirit friendship with someone that you care about and love.”
Mackie has yet to address the controversy surrounding his remarks. But one gets the feeling that a Falcon/Winter Soldier rom-com won’t be going into development any time soon.
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