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There’s nothing quite like experiencing a movie alongside its biggest fans, and Anthony Mackie made sure to do just that. The actor, who has officially taken up the mantle of Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, surprised fans at a Captain America: Brave New World screening on February 15 at Disney Springs. But he didn’t just show up he came prepared, wielding a shield-inspired popcorn bucket that made the moment even more fitting.
A Superhero-Sized Surprise
In a video shared by Marvel Studios, Mackie can be seen walking into the theater, catching moviegoers completely off guard. With his signature charisma, he greeted the stunned audience while carrying his popcorn-filled shield. Hey guys, he said, stepping up to the front of the theater. All of a sudden, you have the best seats in the house, he joked as he made his way to the lucky fans in the front row.
Mackie took a moment to express his gratitude to the audience. First of all, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for being an opening weekend crowd. Thank you for being fans. Thank you for being here because you love those characters, and you want to see where these stories are going. It means so, so much. Before leaving popcorn bucket still in hand he told fans to enjoy the film, later adding to the camera, feel like that went well.
Fans React: That’s My Captain!
Mackie’s surprise appearance quickly became a viral moment, with fans flooding social media with reactions. Many praised him for appreciating the fans and embracing his new role as Captain America.
This is a man that appreciates where he’s at. He deserves all the love and support. That’s my captain! one fan commented on Marvel’s TikTok video. Another added, You can see he’s really happy he finally got his own movie, and now people just find anything to hate on it. The movie is a solid 8/10, can’t convince me otherwise.
A Tradition of Surprise Appearances
Mackie isn’t the first star to surprise fans at a theater, and he certainly won’t be the last. Halle Berry recently made an unexpected visit to a screening of her thriller Never Let Go, surprising fans in Maryland. Brendan Fraser delighted audiences when he showed up at a The Mummy screening in London, and Joaquin Phoenix made headlines when he appeared at a screening of Joker, the billion-dollar film that won him an Oscar.
These moments not only excite fans but also remind audiences that actors, too, love seeing how their work resonates in real-time.
Captain America: Brave New World Faces Mixed Reviews
While Mackie’s appearance at the screening was a hit, Captain America: Brave New World has received mixed reviews from critics. The film debuted with a 52% score on Rotten Tomatoes, later dropping to 51%, earning it a rotten badge.
However, fans are telling a different story. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes sits at 80%, showing a strong divide between critics and moviegoers. Additionally, the film is tracking for an opening weekend of $90-100 million, making it the highest-grossing debut of 2025 so far.
With a reported budget of $180 million and a break-even target of $425 million worldwide, Captain America: Brave New World still has a battle ahead. But if Mackie’s theater surprise is any indication, the fans are standing firmly behind their new Captain America.
Did you catch Anthony Mackie’s surprise appearance? What did you think of Brave New World? Let us know in the comments!
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