Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan discuss the importance of balance in superhero stories

By Patricia Carranza, MWN

“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is the new Marvel Studios production starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), who come together after “Avengers: Endgame,” an adventure in which they will not only face the adversities of the world but also their personal battles. 

Metro recently sat down with the duo. 

What were the main challenges of making this production?

AM: The main challenge was that we were shooting during the pandemic and we all had to be extremely cautious. In terms of the visual effects, I think the challenge was to adjust to the time it takes for a production like this. I mean normally when we shoot post-production it can be the most complicated thing because it can take a year before it’s released and it’s a bigger challenge when you have to reshoot scenes with a lot of action. 

Do you identify with your characters in any way?

SS: Absolutely, I think we both identify with them and now that we have a better chance to do a more in-depth story and get into their lives for a longer period of time, we get to have a more personal connection with Sam and Bucky. 

AM: Sure, I definitely identify with Sam and everything he’s been through. I think there’s a lot of things about him that I’d like to implement in my own personality, like his tenacity. 

How do your characters contribute to the Marvel Universe and the younger generation?

SS: It all starts with writing and directing the story. In that sense, all the credit goes to Malcolm Spellman, Kari Skogland and Kevin Feige. They managed to push our characters further and make a story that can impact people. They’ve put us in the spotlight around a bigger story. People who see this production are going to realize that they probably have a lot in common with these superheroes, we really hope that this story can continue to have relevance.

AM: These characters also have a fun side, a softer side, so they will allow younger generations to come in and enjoy the things that we do. I think overall, everyone’s goal was to avoid making it too serious and too heavy of a project because that would alienate viewers who are looking to be entertained. 

What does it mean for you to depict the regret and psychological aftermath of “The Winter Soldier”?

SS: Well, obviously, I become a complex character with flaws, various aspirations, conflicts and there’s a lot you can learn. He’s a character who struggles with the past and relives various situations in order to take shape.  

How could superhero stories inspire people? 

SS: I think the goal is to find the right balance between telling stories that are important and relevant and at the same time entertaining. Looking at the movies that Marvel has made over the last few decades, they have an incredible kind of composition. Everything they’ve done has death and at the same time it’s fun, you enjoy watching the characters and you really enjoy them and sometimes that’s the most memorable thing. 

AM: We’re going through difficult times and I think it’s an outlet for people, it’s an escape from reality. In the end, it’s still entertainment. And being able to bring movies into people’s homes is a great opportunity to disconnect for a while and enjoy yourself.