The "Falcon" actor speaks out

Anthony Mackie Calls Marvel Racist For Hiring Black Staff On Only 'Black Panther'

In a new interview, Anthony Mackie criticized the Marvel Cinematic Universe for its lack of diversity on set. Read what he witnessed and why he views Marvel's handling of the Black Panther production as an indicator of deeper problems.

'The Simpsons' takes action

'The Simpsons' Will No Longer Have White Actors Voice Non-White Characters

Anthony Mackie is addressing behind-the-scenes problems he witnessed on set with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Speaking with Daveed Diggs on Variety's "Actors on Actors," Mackie described what he saw as a racist trend during his time as "Sam Wilson / Falcon" in seven MCU films dating back to 2014.

"It really bothered me that I've done seven Marvel movies where every producer, every director, every stunt person, every costume designer, every PA, every single person has been white," Mackie recalled.

However, Mackie went on to note the visible difference that took place when Marvel shot Black Panther—a superhero film with Black leads and elements of African culture and tradition—in 2018.

"We've had one Black producer; his name was Nate Moore. He produced Black Panther. But then when you do Black Panther, you have a Black director, Black producer, a Black costume designer, a Black stunt choreographer," he continued.

"I'm like, that's more racist than anything else. Because if you only can hire the Black people for the Black movie, are you saying they're not good enough when you have a mostly white cast?"

Anthony Mackie takes issue with Marvel's diversity problem

At the same time, Mackie noted his role in effecting change, seeing as he's one of the MCU's and superhero genre's leading men. "My big push with Marvel is hire the best person for the job," he explained.

"Even if it means we're going to get the best two women, we're going to get the best two men... Fine. I'm cool with those numbers for the next 10 years. Because it starts to build a new generation of people who can put something on their résumé to get them other jobs."

"If we've got to divvy out as a percentage, divvy it out," Mackie continued. "And that's something as leading men that we can go in and push for," he concluded.

Diggs and Mackie's full conversation with "Actors on Actors" is included below.