Washington, Jan. 29 -- Actor Anthony Mackie, who will star in the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, recently found himself at the center of controversy following comments he made about the iconic Marvel superhero during a promotional tour in Italy, a Deadline report said.

His remarks, which went viral on social media, sparked backlash among fans who felt the actor was distancing the character from its American roots.

In response to the growing criticism, Mackie took to social media to clarify his stance.

"Let me be clear about this, I'm a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime," Mackie wrote in an Instagram Stories post.

"I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have ser...