Meet Sam Wilson/The Falcon: Marvel Comic’s First African-American Superhero, Played By Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie Is Set To Play The Role Of Sam Wilson (also known as The Falcon), Marvel Comic’s First African American Superhero

Now that the next wave of Marvel movies featuring the superheroes from The Avengers are gearing up, America’s most loyal citizen, Captain America, has an August 4, 2014 opening date for his sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Accompanying him will be Marvel Comic’s first African-American superhero. His name is Sam Wilson, but he’s also known as The Falcon. Sam Wilson/The Falcon was introduced by Stan Lee and Gene Colan in Captain America issue #117 in 1969.

The actor slated to play the role of Marvel Comics’ first African-American superhero is Anthony Mackie. In a statement released by Mackie, he views his new role with a great deal of respect and responsibility.

I’m playing the Falcon. He’s this guy in Harlem who moved to California and became a drug dealer. His plane crashed, and he was genetically altered, and he can fly, has telepathic powers. He’s the first African-American superhero. It makes me feel all the work I’ve done has been paying off. I have a son, nephews and nieces, and I love the idea that they can dress up as the Falcon on Halloween. They now have someone they can idolize. That’s a huge honor for me,” Mackie said.

Anthony Mackie

In comics, The Falcon/Sam Wilson witnessed his parents’ murders as a teenager, so he moves to Los Angeles andbecomes a criminal and gang member. On his way to a big score, his plane crashes on an island, where he befriends a bird and gets some powers — including power over birds, telepathic abilities, and the ability to fly. He eventually becomes a member of The Avengers, so it’s very likely that he will be in The Avengers 2.