Even before Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” went to air, there was talk of the ‘bromance’ between Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes.
The series focuses on their journey which starts out with a certain animosity before turning into a genuine friendship with an emotional connection.
Some of the fandom has interpreted this as a budding romance, not an uncommon thing as fans across numerous franchises attempt to couple up their favorite characters regardless of sexuality or gender.
Shipping as it’s known is even more common in those fandoms with a visible lack of LGBTQ+ representation, an issue Marvel has come under fire for – especially in the wake of a clumsy throwaway first attempt in “Avengers: Endgame”.
Recently Mackie spoke with Variety about fans interpreting a budding romance between the characters and depictions of platonic male love on TV or film. The actor offered a lengthy but confusing response on what is a complicated topic:
“In this day and age, so many things are twisted and convoluted. There are so many things that people latch on to with their own devices to make themselves relevant and rational.
The idea of two guys being friends and loving each other in 2021 is a problem because of the exploitation of homosexuality. It used to be guys can be friends, we can hang out, and it was cool. You would always meet your friends at the bar, you know.
You can’t do that anymore, because something as pure and beautiful as homosexuality has been exploited by people who are trying to rationalize themselves.
So something that’s always been very important to me is showing a sensitive masculine figure. There’s nothing more masculine than being a superhero and flying around and beating people up. But there’s nothing more sensitive than having emotional conversations and a kindred spirit friendship with someone that you care about and love.
Sam and Steve had a relationship where they admired, appreciated and loved each other. Bucky and Sam have a relationship where they learn how to accept, appreciate and love each other. You’d call it a bromance, but it’s literally just two guys who have each other’s backs.”
The response has been met with bewilderment in regards to some of its statements (eg. “the exploitation of homosexuality,” “You can’t meet a male friend at a bar anymore!”), others have been rankled by his casting aspersions on people who interpret the relationship in other ways outside of an intimate but platonic male friendship.
Adding to the confusion is Mackie pointedly acknowledged his “Black Mirror” episode which far more thoughtfully deals with a male friendship that develops explicit sexual elements – in that case between Mackie and “Watchmen” actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s characters.
Marvel will attempt to properly offer some LGBTQ+ representation with the upcoming “Eternals” film arriving in November.
Source: AV Club
