Anthony Mackie Is Trending Again And This Time, It’s Not About Marvel

The Falcon has flown beyond the MCU, and fans are finally noticing the full scope of Anthony Mackie’s range.

When Anthony Mackie trends online, people usually assume it has something to do with Captain America’s shield or a Marvel teaser. But this time, something different is happening. It says a lot about where Mackie’s career is headed next.

This week, the buzz wasn’t about the MCU. It was about Twisted Metal.

The Peacock original series, based on the chaotic, cult-favorite PlayStation video game, dropped with little expectation and a lot of skepticism. Could a gritty clown-car combat game really translate into a binge-worthy show? And more importantly, could Mackie carry it without a supersuit or a Marvel budget?

Turns out, he absolutely could.

From Superhero to Superhuman Performance

In Twisted Metal, Mackie plays John Doe, a wise-cracking, amnesia-ridden driver with a mysterious past and a penchant for chaos. It’s a far cry from the stoic, moral-heavy role of Sam Wilson. That’s exactly what makes it work. Mackie brings charisma, comic timing, and just enough emotional weight to make the absurdity feel strangely grounded.

The show itself is wild, weird, and deeply self-aware. But it’s Mackie who holds it together, turning what could have been a one-note role into something worth rooting for. Critics and fans alike are starting to realize what some already knew: Anthony Mackie’s got range.

Even when the script veers into over-the-top territory, he grounds the scene with a relatable smirk or moment of heart. He’s not just playing a character he’s anchoring the world around him, making sure we’re laughing with the show, not at it.

Why He’s Trending Now

In the age of Twitter (sorry, X), TikTok, and streaming-first releases, being talked about can sometimes matter more than critical acclaim. Clips of Mackie’s scenes from Twisted Metal are going viral, particularly his banter-heavy dialogue and physical comedy moments.

One clip that’s making the rounds features him trading quips with Stephanie Beatriz while dodging fireballs in a beat-up car blasting 2000s music. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and perfectly timed. The internet is loving it.

But it’s not just the show. Interviews from the press tour have reminded people just how quick-witted and authentic Mackie is. From making jokes about Falcon’s underwhelming powers to talking about representation in Hollywood with sincerity, he’s managed to keep both his humor and humility intact.

It’s rare for a celebrity to maintain that balance, and it’s part of why audiences connect with him. He feels both larger-than-life and completely down-to-earth.

Shedding the Superhero Skin

For years, Mackie’s name was synonymous with Marvel. From Captain America: The Winter Soldier to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, he’s flown side-by-side with the biggest names in the MCU. Now, he’s stepping out of the shadow of the shield. The result is refreshing.

He’s not abandoning Marvel. He’s confirmed to return in Captain America: Brave New World. But he’s clearly expanding his scope. Twisted Metal is proof that Mackie can lead a franchise, any franchise, without needing to be part of a multiverse.

The Bigger Picture: Mackie as a Leading Man

Hollywood has always had a strange relationship with actors like Mackie. Charismatic, talented, and versatile, but rarely handed the full spotlight. That’s changing.

Mackie has been producing more projects, choosing unconventional roles, and speaking out about systemic bias in the industry. With Twisted Metal, he’s not just proving himself. He’s redefining what a modern action-comedy lead can look like.

The fans are watching. The industry is watching. And judging by the current trending charts, so is everyone else.

Note : I’ve always appreciated Anthony Mackie’s talent, but watching him break free from the superhero mold feels like witnessing a second debut. Twisted Metal might be wild, but his performance is the calm, hilarious center holding it all together. Here’s to seeing more of him, cape or not.