When portraying a legendary superhero, such as Captain America, certain iconic elements of the super-suit are typically fixed. However, there are aspects of the costume that can be altered based on the preferences of the actor wearing it. In this instance, actor Anthony Mackie, who takes on the role in Captain America: Brave New World, had specific requests regarding his costume. While the shield is a non-negotiable part of Captain America’s outfit, Mackie made it clear that there were certain elements he would not wear again.

His request for change was not made lightly. Mackie had previously donned the controversial white cowl during his time in the Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and he was determined to avoid wearing it again for the cinematic release of Brave New World. He candidly shared his thoughts in an interview with IGN, stating, “I told them I was never wearing that shit again, dude,” while referring specifically to the much-discussed cowl from the earlier series.

“I told them I was never wearing that st again,” said Captain America: Brave New World’s Anthony Mackie of the white cowl that was introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. pic.twitter.com/GvjCaKARaM

— IGN (@IGN) February 7, 2025

“That was hard,” Mackie elaborated. “It was—with the heat, the sweat, the fogged-up glasses, it was impossible. It was called a ‘cowl’… it was my worst nightmare. You can’t do anything.” The challenges he faced while wearing the cowl were not just minor inconveniences; they significantly affected his performance and comfort on set. The combination of heat and discomfort made it an unbearable experience, highlighting the importance of actor comfort in superhero roles.

While it’s perfectly understandable why Mackie expressed his concerns, it’s also intriguing to note that the cowl was a unique aspect of Sam’s Captain America suit, faithfully adapted from the comics to the screen. This artistic choice illustrates the challenges of adapting comic book designs for live-action portrayals, as certain elements that look great in illustrations may not translate well into reality. Marvel Studios made a bold attempt to incorporate this design, even if it ultimately turned out to be unwearable for Mackie.

Captain America: Brave New World, featuring a sleek new suit without the controversial cowl, is set to hit theaters on February 14.

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