Danny Ramirez: “He’s Got the Sauce” to Be an Iconic Captain America
Nearly four years after Sam Wilson took up the shield in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie now leads Captain America: Brave New World, bringing his unique depth and compassion to the iconic role.
At a press conference ahead of the film’s release, Mackie reflected on his character’s evolution. “Sam and Steve [Rogers] are similar in a lot of ways,” he said. “But with Sam, there’s a certain level of compassion and understanding … He was a counselor, a veteran, an open book of good intentions.” Mackie emphasized that this humanity shapes his portrayal of Captain America, ensuring he’s not just a powerful force, but a leader with heart.
Danny Ramirez, who plays Joaquin Torres—the new Falcon—praised Mackie’s ability to carry the mantle, saying, “If you got it, you got it. Some people got the sauce. Some people don’t. And Anthony’s got the sauce.”
Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World brings a political thriller edge to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film follows Sam Wilson as he navigates his new role while dealing with complex political ties, including his uneasy alliance with U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). This connection puts him at odds with Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a super soldier who was subjected to decades of experimentation.
At the center of the film is Sam’s evolving dynamic with Joaquin, which Ramirez describes as a “big brother, little brother” relationship. He drew parallels between his own journey in the MCU and his character’s growth. “I realized that a lot of that dynamic between Joaquin and Sam is really just me and Anthony,” he said. “It’s me stepping onto set and realizing, OK, here I have an amazing opportunity, and I’m being passed down the wings.”
With every Marvel film, a new director brings their unique vision, and Ramirez praised Onah’s approach. “His take on it was so fresh and grounded,” he said. “He sent me a list of [40] movies that we’re using as reference points … He was a very important grounding force, not only in his vision but also as a person.”
As Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters, it marks a bold new era for the franchise—one where Sam Wilson, fully confident in his role, leads with both strength and empathy.