The Russo Brothers React to Anthony Mackie's Comments on Lack of Diversity at Marvel Studios

Last month, actor Anthony Mackie spoke with Hamilton star Daveed Diggs forVariety's Actors on Actors video series. Considering that he has appeared as Sam Wilson/Falcon in seven Marvel movies, it's fair to say he knows his way around a Marvel set, and he expressed his desire for the studio to do better when it comes to creating a diverse work environment.

"It really bothered me that I've done seven Marvel movies where every producer, every director, every stunt person, every costume designer, every PA, every single person has been white," Mackie stated.

"We've had one Black producer; his name was Nate Moore," Mackie continued. "He produced Black Panther. But then when you do Black Panther, you have a Black director, Black producer, a Black costume designer, a Black stunt choreographer. I'm like, that's more racist than anything else. Because if you only can hire the Black people for the Black movie, are you saying they're not good enough when you have a mostly white cast?" You can watch Mackie open up about his disappointment below.

As reported by ComicBook.com, Marvel directors Anthony and Joe Russo have responded to Mackie's comments.

"I think we can always all do better at diversity, constantly in this business, and in every facet of every industry — so he's not wrong at all," Joe Russo told MovieMaker. "I think that we all have to work harder to keep endorsing and supporting diversity on both sides of the camera."

Anthony Russo had this to add: "We have a ton of respect for Anthony Mackie. He is not only an amazing actor, but he's an amazing person, and we've loved our collaboration with him."

Even though these comments from the Russos are supportive, they do very little to refute Mackie's argument about Marvel's diversity problem. Hopefully, the actor's words will encourage Marvel Studios to make a more firm commitment to inclusivity as soon as possible.