The next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Brave New World, hits theaters on Valentine’s Day. However, its star, Anthony Mackie, says playing a headlining superhero has made dating nearly “obsolete.” Mackie, in an interview with People, said playing Captain America has its upsides, but not in the romance department, saying that

“How do you trust someone? How do you know what someone really (wants) from you when all you want is to just be loved and appreciated?” said Mackie, whose marriage to wife Sheletta Chapital ended in 2018.

Mackie said you won’t find him on dating sites or apps like Tinder, either. he said.

The actor, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World, added that it doesn’t help that he’s not an attention seeker in general and can get overwhelmed even when fans recognize himI appreciate the support. I always appreciate the idea of people recognizing me for my work, if nothing else. But, social anxiety is a real thing. And because of that I run away and hide. I just go to my places where I know people will take care of me. And I just sit in the corner and put an umbrella over my head,” he said.

In Captain America: Brave New World, Mackie takes on the titular role after Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers passed the shield to Mackie’s Sam Wilson in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

In an interview with Esquire, Mackie touched on the highly-anticipated movie, which also stars Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Danny Ramirez, and Giancarlo Esposito. “It’s literally the best movie it can be. It stays in the lines of Marvel. It stays in the lines of Captain America, and it’s fun, and it’s big.” He also touched on being overlooked for acting awards. “It’s always apropos for me when awards season comes up. Because I if not for a Golden Globe, then for an Oscar or an Emmy,” Mackie said. “Captain America is my Oscar. I’ve been overlooked so many times in my career,” he added.

The actor also shared why playing a Black Captain America is so important, saying he thinks it is “just as important for black kids to see a Black Captain America as it is for white kids.” Mackie added, “Growing up, my favorite hero was green. It wasn’t about race or anything. It was about him being a good guy trying to do the right thing.” He concluded it is important for kids from all races to “be able to watch and have someone to look up to no matter what they look like, and see that that package comes with a good human being as opposed to what they’ve been perceived as by everyone else.”

Captain America: Brave New World lands in theaters on Feb. 14.

Source: People