Valentine's Day is almost here. And you know what that means? Captain America: Brave New World is almost upon us! (What did you think I was going to say?)
The upcoming movie is one of the most anticipated of the year, which isn't surprising considering it's a Marvel Studios production, but there is a lot going on with this one. It's the fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Captain America movie series, but it's also something of a reboot. Anthony Mackie, who made his MCU debut as Sam Wilson, a.k.a. The Falcon, in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier takes over the titular mantle, replacing Chris Evans' Steve Rogers as the title hero.
Mackie, who now stars as the seminal Marvel Comics hero, is not shy about opinions. He'll share what he thinks and tell you why. As nerds, we appreciate that in an actor for certain... particularly when it comes to who his favorite Batman is.
Yes, his latest opinion has nothing to do with Marvel. And we love it.
Anthony Mackie's favorite Batman is Michael Keaton
Captain America: Brave New World star Anthony Mackie has opened up about which superhero movies he watched when he was younger in a new interview. As reported by Cosmic Marvel, he confirmed that he grew up watching both Christopher Reeve's Superman movies and Michael Keaton's Batman movies. Clearly they had an impact on the future superhero star as he confirmed that his favorite Dark Knight is none other than Keaton himself:
"Michael Keaton is my Batman".
#MCU star Anthony Mackie says he grew up watching Superman and Batman.
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) January 27, 2025
"Michael Keaton is my Batman." pic.twitter.com/c4YbXPRsCe
This is undoubtedly cause to love Mackie even more. He likes the OGs of DC movies, Christopher Reeve and Michael Keaton. Well, join the club, Anthony Mackie. We bought jackets.
Michael Keaton first donned the cape and cowl for Tim Burton's 1989 game-changing Batman, which many consider to be the first modern superhero movie. His casting was controversial at the time considering he was known for being a comic actor but he changed hearts and minds with his performance and he even returned for 1992 sequel Batman Returns. He subsequently returned to the role again three decades later in 2023's The Flash.
He's a legend, and arguably the best of the Batman performers. Granted, many CBM fans may not feel this way. Given how many times Warner Bros. and DC Comics have changed their minds on movie direction and actors, who can blame anyone for having a different and polarized opinion? There are plenty of Batman and Superman actors to choose from.
But this is Anthony Mackie. Once the Falcon. Now, Captain America. Did we mention that he's a Marvel hero? That should be a welcome thing because the dude is clearly a nerd.
Speaking of Mackie, he dons the star-spangled wings in Captain America 4 this month in an adventure that will see Sam Wilson battle The Incredible Hulk villain The Leader and Harrison Ford's Red Hulk. Sign us up!
Captain America: Brave New World arrives in movie theaters on February 14, 2025.