Anthony Mackie shares Ian McKellen's reaction to his Captain America role in 'Avengers: Doomsday'
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Anthony Mackie may be leading Earth's Mightiest Heroes as the new Captain America, but one of his favorite memories from filming 'Avengers: Doomsday' had nothing to do with the action.
Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Mackie recalled meeting legendary actor Ian McKellen for the first time on set. Their brief conversation turned into a heartfelt moment after McKellen learned Mackie had officially taken over the mantle of Captain America, leaving the Marvel star with an unforgettable memory.
Ian McKellen congratulates Anthony Mackie on becoming Captain America
Mackie recalled that McKellen greeted him warmly the moment they met on set. As they got talking, the veteran actor asked about his role in the film, leading to an exchange that left a lasting impression on the Marvel star.
“I go to Ian McKellen, he goes, ‘Hello, son.’ I’m like, ‘Ian McKellen, sir. You’re amazing. It’s amazing to work with you,’” Mackie recalled.
“He goes, ‘So what are you doing in the film?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m Captain America.’ He goes, ‘Wonderful… and you deserve that.’ Thank you, Sir Ian, thank you.”
Anthony Mackie on meeting Ian McKellen for the first time while filming ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) July 29, 2026
“I go to Ian McKellen, he goes, ‘Hello, son.’ I’m like, ‘Ian McKellen, sir. You’re amazing. It’s amazing to work with you’”
“He goes, ‘So what are you doing in the film?’ and I’m… pic.twitter.com/SUtQoXBpDZ
The heartfelt interaction quickly became one of Mackie's favorite memories from filming and has since resonated with Marvel fans online.
'Avengers: Doomsday' brings together Marvel and X-Men icons
The upcoming MCU film is bringing together one of the biggest superhero casts ever assembled on screen. The film marks McKellen's return as Magneto, while Mackie appears in his first ensemble Avengers film as Captain America.
The movie reunites several familiar Marvel faces, including Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, and Robert Downey Jr., who returns to the franchise as Doctor Doom.
The crossover also welcomes back several beloved X-Men stars alongside McKellen. Patrick Stewart reprises Professor Charles Xavier, while James Marsden returns as Cyclops. Kelsey Grammer is back as Beast, Alan Cumming reprises Nightcrawler, and Rebecca Romijn returns as Mystique.
With Avengers and X-Men characters finally sharing the screen, 'Avengers: Doomsday' is shaping up to be one of Marvel Studios' most ambitious films to date.
Inspired by some of Marvel Comics' most iconic characters, 'Avengers: Doomsday' brings together heroes from different generations in one epic crossover. Mackie's story about meeting McKellen also offered fans a wholesome behind-the-scenes glimpse ahead of the highly anticipated film.
