Captain America: Brave New World – Exclusive Cast Interview

How better to spend a chilly afternoon than wielding Captain America’s shield for a photo shoot, followed by an exclusive interview with Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, and director Julius Onah? That’s precisely how I spent my day, diving deep into the action, representation, and Wakandan intrigue of Captain America: Brave New World.

Dapper Dr. Feel (DDF): Julius, how does it feel to tell the stories of Isaiah Bradley, Falcon, and Captain America himself?

Julius Onah (JO): It’s absolutely thrilling. These are such compelling characters. While the Falcon and Winter Soldier series laid some groundwork, my goal with this film was to create an entry point for everyone, regardless of whether they’d seen the show. We wanted to establish a firm foundation, showcasing the chemistry and dynamic between Sam and Bucky early on. It was crucial to understand Isaiah’s history, why Sam connects with him, and how Isaiah’s legacy paved the way for Sam Wilson to become Captain America. The fraternal bond between Sam and Joaquin, the love and big brother/little brother dynamic, are all at the heart of this movie, driving Sam’s journey and highlighting the theme of empathy that was so important to me. It’s a privilege to tell this story and work with this incredible cast.

DDF: Anthony, when Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (Harrison Ford) says to Sam, “You’re not Steve Rogers,” what’s going through Sam Wilson’s head?

Anthony Mackie (AM): I think the reason Steve gave Sam the shield is because he saw so much of himself in Sam. When Steve first got into trouble in Winter Soldier, he went to Sam, not the Avengers. He trusted Sam implicitly. That statement from Ross is twofold. Steve Rogers became Captain America because he jumped on a grenade to save others. Sam Wilson is 58th Airborne, search and rescue. They jump behind enemy lines to pull people out of chaos. There’s a selflessness, a humanitarian nature to that. They’re very similar in that respect, but also very different.

DDF: Danny, what advice did Anthony give you about portraying Falcon II?

Danny Ramirez (DR): He led by example. He was going through a similar experience, stepping into a larger role, so I observed him from day one. His advice was subtle, more like gentle nudges. The most important thing he said was on my first day of Falcon and Winter Soldier. He pulled me aside and said, “This is like working with a theater troupe. Everyone here has been part of this family for many movies. Remember that.” That stuck with me. It meant understanding that I wasn’t going to change this positive culture, but I could add to it. It liberated me. I knew I could trust everyone and instantly jump into collaboration mode.

DDF: Julius, you mentioned in a previous interview that you went to New Orleans to talk with Anthony about the film. Any memorable food experiences?

JO: I’m still trying to remember the restaurant’s name! We had an incredible breakfast. The embarrassing part? He took me out for seafood, and I ordered a burger.

(Everyone laughs)

DR: I was there!

DDF: Anthony, did you tease him about that?

AM: You’re in the seafood capital of the world, and you order a burger?

JO: What can I say? I love burgers. (laughs)

DR: Do you regret it?

JO: I do regret it because I’m being laughed at.

DDF: Julius and Anthony, what’s so exciting about the Sam Wilson and Red Hulk fight?

JO: You get to see Sam with his vibranium wings go toe-to-toe with Red Hulk – Harrison Ford! That’s incredibly exciting. It starts with Harrison’s performance. But it’s not just action; it’s about theme and heart. The back-and-forth between them is the climax of everything, going back to that conversation where Ross says, “You’re not Steve Rogers.” These are two men on opposite sides, and that’s where empathy becomes crucial. The battle is an awesome spectacle, but it’s also about character and theme.

DDF: Anthony, Sam didn’t take the super serum, but he takes a beating in this film. Any special multivitamins?

AM: No! The great thing about this movie is Sam is a full-fledged, head-on, strong Captain America. He’s accepted the mantle. He went to Wakanda, and they gifted him a new suit with new wings so he could be the best Captain America. If they needed him, he could perform at his highest level. You see the culmination of Sam’s journey, all the building blocks that had to be put in place. He can go subsonic speed! It’s all growth and maturity, nothing to do with the serum. That’s why (points to Danny) I didn’t want to get down to 120 pounds!

(Everyone laughs) 

DR: All I have to say is Bruce Lee. (Lol)

AM: At a certain point, if you’re going to take a punch… Kimbo Slice or a cheerleader?

DR: You’re going to miss it. Also, R.I.P Kimbo Slice.

AM: Florida’s finest! It was important to look the part and handle the suit. We talked about exploring the suit, seeing it at its peak performance. That was clear from the beginning. We wanted to push it to the precipice, and I think we did.

JO: He’s got the wings, the vibranium helmet…it’s next level. What he can do now is remarkable.

DDF: Anthony, you’ve said Captain America embodies honor, dignity, integrity. It’s Black History Month. If you could choose any historical figure to take up the shield, who would it be and why?

AM: My dad. He grew up in rural Louisiana, moved to New Orleans with nothing, and worked every day to make sure we had everything. I’m proud of that. My nephew is at Howard getting his PhD. That’s the American dream, starting with my grandfather. That’s my dad’s legacy. He’s a real superhero to me.

JO: Jackie Robinson. There’s a scene where you see Mackie spraying graffiti with Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson behind him. I love the idea of Sam being one of those “firsts,” an inspirational, transformative figure. They are quintessential American heroes.

DR: That was my answer! I’d go with Walter “Sweetness” Payton.  He lived with nobility and honor, incredibly empathetic. He’s got awards named after him. And that stiff arm! I’m pretty sure Sam does some of those. His running style is similar to Sam’s – agile and powerful.

So, are you ready for Captain America: Brave New World? Think Winter Soldier meets Hulk, with a dash of political intrigue and a whole lot of heart. Sam Wilson is ready to prove he’s worthy of the shield, and you won’t want to miss the ride. Catch Anthony and Danny in action – aerial assaults, Red Hulk mayhem, and a mysterious mastermind await! In theaters February 14th.