By Zach Johnson
This Friday, Marvel Studios will release Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie in the titular role. It’s the 35th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and in the Spring 2025 issue of Disney twenty-three, Mackie speaks openly and passionately about his character’s journey from Airman to The Falcon to Captain America.
According to the actor, it’s his favorite turn yet as the beloved Super Hero. In addition to Mackie, Disney twenty-three has interviewed some of the MCU’s biggest stars over the years, several of whom shared their favorite films in the franchise. Read on to see which stories struck a chord with them—and be sure to stream each film exclusively on Disney+.
Iman Vellani (Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel)
“I love Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Endgame, and Thor: Ragnarok,” Vellani says. “I have always been a Marvel fan. I used to make my whole family re-watch the movies in chronological order before any new movie came out. I wrote my English essays on the MCU. I’ve painted each individual nail a different Avenger before going to see a new Avengers movie. I made theory boards. I’ve lost friendships over people being Team Cap and not Team Iron Man. I guess you could say I’m a fan... In case it weren’t clear, Iron Man is my favorite. He’s what drew me to the MCU.”
Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man)
“I’ve really enjoyed all the Marvel movies — and I’m not just saying that because [Marvel Studios President] Kevin Feige has my phone number. I really do!” Rudd laughs. “But I gotta say Thor: Ragnarok and Captain America: The Winter Soldier are two of my favorites.”
Natalie Portman (Jane Foster/Mighty Thor)
“I do love Thor: Ragnarok,” Portman says. “It just makes you smile the whole time.”
Simu Liu (Shang-Chi)
“This is like asking me which flavor of ice cream I like the most. It’s ice cream; they’re all good!” Liu says. “That being said, my absolute standouts are Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, Thor: Ragnarok, and Avengers: Endgame.”
Shira Haas (Ruth Bat-Seraph)
“I have a lot of favorites, but Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my No. 1,” Haas says. “I was really moved by that one. I remember the first time I saw it, I went through all the emotions. My second favorite would be Avengers: Endgame, just because it’s so iconic.”
Xochitl Gomez (America Chavez)
“I really like MJ from the Spider-Man movies,” Gomez says. “I love Zendaya who plays her; I am such a huge fan. MJ’s not a Super Hero or anything, but I love her character and how she fits in.”