Anthony Mackie Talks ‘Black Panther’ Film: Doesn’t Care if Director is African American

Our Brand Is Crisis actor Anthony Mackie believes that the upcoming African American superhero film Black Panther does not need a black director, just a talented one. The movie which is planned to be released in 2018 will be Marvel's first black superhero movie.

"I don't think it's important at all," the actor told The Daily Beast while promoting Our Brand Is Crisis. "As a director your job is to tell a story," he continued. "You know, they didn't get a horse to direct Seabiscuit!"

He went on to explain that the race of a director has nothing to do with their job of telling a story. He said, "I think it's all about the director's ability to be able to relate to that story and do it justice. I think men can direct women, and two of my greatest work experiences were with female directors. So I think it all depends. May the best man-or woman-win."

When the Avengers star's comments went to social media, Mackie received mixed reactions on Twitter. Some found his controversial remarks brutally honest and funny and others were ashamed to be associated with him. Mackie had also found himself in hot water earlier this week after making a comment on Twitter that made it look like he was endorsing Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump. Mackie later backtracked and said his comment was a misunderstood joke.

Anthony Mackie saying "they didn't get a horse to direct seabiscuit" is why I love him

— Mike McCabe™ (@MikeMcCabeSad) October 22, 2015

Anthony Mackie Doesn't Care If 'Black Panther' Director Is Black: "They Didn’t Get a Horse to Direct 'Seabiscuit'" pic.twitter.com/awlBm3oZ3z — Warhammer (@softjunebreeze) October 22, 2015

Originally, Selma director Ava DuVernay was up for directing Black Panther, however, she and the Marvel team were unable to agree on the direction of the film. Attached to the project is Chadwick Boseman as lead role and Joe Robert Cole who will write the script.

In related news, Marvel's publishing team announced that the next Black Panther comic book to be released in January will be written by MacArthur "Genius" grant winner Ta-Nehisi Coates.