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Avengers: Endgame Directors Respond to Anthony Mackie’s Marvel Diversity Criticism


Credit: Marvel Entertainment


The Falcon and the Winter Soldier star Anthony Mackie recently called out Marvel on the studio's lack of diversity, explaining that it's even "more racist" that Black Panther is the only MCU movie with a Black cast, director, and crew. Aside from that, all the movies he starred in had mostly a white cast and crew, calling for changes to be made and to just hire the "best person for the job."

In a recent interview with MovieMaker, Avengers: Endgame director Joe and Anthony Russo responded to Mackie's comments on his call for changes, agreeing with the actor. "I think we can always all do better at diversity, constantly in this business, and in every facet of every industry," said Joe Russo. "So he's not wrong at all." The director pointed out that everyone has to "work harder to keep endorsing and supporting diversity" be it in front or behind the camera.

Anthony Russo then added that they have "a ton of respect" for Mackie, showing their support for the actor. "He is not only an amazing actor, but he's an amazing person, and we've loved our collaboration with him."

Black Panther's debut proved to be a big step for the MCU in shifting to more inclusive stories. There's also the release of Captain Marvel, a female-led film; and more upcoming projects that'll feature even more diversity, including The Eternals, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, and Ms. Marvel. A step in the right direction, and hopefully, the studio continues to take on this route.

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