Sebastian Stan Jokes About Taking Captain America Shield as Fans Say It Fuels Anthony Mackie Hate

Sebastian Stan wants to be Captain America, just like in the comics, where his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character, Bucky, aka the Winter Soldier, took on the Captain America mantle. But this would have to be at the expense of Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, the current MCU Captain America.

'Even the Captain America thing, I bring it up. I'm like, "Whenever." Sorry, Anthony,' Stan said on Josh Horowitz's 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.

Sebastian Stan on Captain America: I'm Ready, Man!

Stan was obviously sharing a laugh with Horowitz, who said: 'He's had his run now. He's had a few years.' Sam Wilson first donned the shield on the final episode of 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' in 2021. Mackie's first movie as Captain America was released in 2025: 'Captain America: Brave New World.'

'I'm just saying, I'm like, "I'm ready, Man,"' joked Stan. 'I'm at that sweet spot where I can still do some of it.' But some fans are sensitive to the issue because when Chris Evans's Steve Rogers chose Sam Wilson to carry on with the shield at the end of 'Avengers: Endgame,' the hashtag #NotMyCaptainAmerica trended.

Some fans either wanted Evans to be the perpetual Captain America or for the shield to be handed to Stan's Bucky. Some commentators have pointed to racism as a reason for the backlash, citing the MCU's lack of diversity—in terms of race and gender—in lead roles.

Race Issue in 'FAWS'

Race was a prominent storyline in the limited series, 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' (TFATWS), where Wilson was unsure about taking the shield and actually gave it up to be displayed at a museum.

In the end, he takes on a new suit and the shield with a poignant message: 'I'm a Black man, carrying the Stars and Stripes... Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people out there who are going to hate me for it.'

'No Super Serum. No blonde hair or blue eyes. The only power I have is that I believe we can do better,' Mackie, as Wilson, said.

Why the Joke Was Not Funny

It was art imitating life, where TFATWS brought up how people questioned why Wilson, a Black man, has been named Captain America. In real life, some took on the hashtag to reject Mackie as Captain America.

This is why some fans didn't find Stan's comments about becoming the Star-Spangled Avenger funny. One social media user said: 'Joking about something that Anthony gets hated on for on the daily.'

'I do not hate Sebastian Stan. I just think now is not the time to joke about Sam Wilson/Anthony Mackie not being Captain America, especially all the ppl saying "Finally the REAL Cap is back" with the return of Steve Rogers,' another shared, referring to Chris Evans's return as Steve Rogers in 'Avengers: Doomsday.'

'Anthony Mackie always has to prove himself & faces racism 24/7 just for playing Sam Wilson, a Black Captain America. So, yes, I do find it upsetting for his "close" co-star to make a joke like this, especially since 'TFAWS' was about the world not accepting him because of his race,' another said.