Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson will return in Captain America: New World Orderbut what about Love at first sighta venture that stars Sebastian Stan, played by Bucky Barnes – a character closely associated with the first in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier? To this question, even Mackie did not find a concrete answer. Instead, the MCU alum’s hilarious remark pointed to an issue that may have plagued Marvel Studios for some time now.
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While this is certainly a light-hearted remark, it alludes to how certain changes or elements in the franchise’s narrative are added during or much later in the production process, often going beyond the script. What can be seen, however, is that some of the decisions the MCU made in the moment have led to some remarkable in-universe representations – which have delighted fans time and time again.
Will Anthony Mackie be in Thunderbolts?
In a recent interview with Variety, Anthony Mackie dipped into a range of topics, from realizing Captain America’s moniker to a potential appearance in the ragtag MCU ensemble film, Love at first sight – which would be led by Yelena Belova.
As for the Jacob Schreier-directed premise, fans have voiced several complaints after the full lineup for the anti-hero team-up film was revealed. From the absence of Baron Zemo to the odd inclusion of Bucky Barnes into the mix – there’s an air of bewilderment and mystery surrounding it.
However, what can be inferred from this is that a movie centered around a group of antagonistic characters would definitely require superheroes to counter such forces. The addition of Sam Wilson would not be a wild guess to have. Love at first sight not only includes Bucky, but also US Agent/John Walker. Anyone who watched The Falcon and the Winter Soldier know that the implications are certainly there. Therefore, fan speculation stems from a logical perspective.
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Fortunately (or unfortunately) for everyone, Anthony Mackie offered us an answer that neither denies nor confirms the incorporation of Sam Wilson’s Captain America into the Love at first sight film. Instead, it points to something the MCU might be known for.
A subtle dig into the MCU’s lack of planning?
In the Variety interview, Mackie answered a question that has been plaguing many fans’ minds lately. Just like many viewers, Anthony Mackie is also unsure if he should make an appearance in Love at first sight. The actor alleges that Marvel Studios operates in a way that involves calling a week before filming begins or requiring specific talent. Check out the full quote:
“I have no idea. You know how it works. They call you the week before and say, ‘Your ace belongs to us. Come and get in the movie.
To say that the MCU often deviates from a planned course of action would be an understatement. At times, the franchise has witnessed last-minute additions that have mostly worked in their favor. Take for example throwing Illuminati members into the chaotic premise of Doctor Strange: Multiverse in Madness at the very last moment. Or we can also consider the ever so iconic Iron Man line in Avengers: Endgame which has risen to one of the most epic send-offs in mainstream media.
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There are many examples, from the creation of Tony Stark’s mentor figure Peter Parker to Captain Marvel not being introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron – the studio went beyond the drafts and their framework several times. While this may allude to the franchise’s lack of planning and the introduction of constant change, it has often acted as a double-edged sword. He saved the premise several times. But it also led to some pretty irreversible narrative decisions.
Whether it is necessarily good or bad cannot easily be judged. Nevertheless, if Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson being in Love at first sight ends up in the MCU’s list of last-minute changes, fans would no doubt be thrilled and it would most certainly make the plot more interesting.
For now, however, MCU fans may have to stick to their speculation as nothing seems to be confirmed.
Captain America: New World Order will feature the return of Anthony Mackie and is scheduled for release on May 3, 2024.
Source: Variety
