Anthony Mackie on “amazing story” of ‘The Hate U Give’ and why he “wanted” to be in it

e_anthony_mackie_04232018-4

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua(NEW YORK) — Ahead of its release on Friday, Anthony Mackie is breaking down The Hate U Give and it’s “amazing story.”

“[The film is] about this young lady who witnesses her boyfriend, best friend, being murdered by the police,” Mackie tells ABC Radio. “And she has to make an interesting decision. Does she basically snitch, and tell the story of what happens and go against the police as well as the community and deal with the ramifications and the fallout of that? Or, does she keep her mouth shut like everybody is telling her to do?”

The Avengers star says the film is much more than just a Black Lives Matter narrative, it’s a “coming of age story.”

“[It’s about] a young woman coming to power and coming to her personal independence of speaking her mind and being honest,” he explains.

In the film Mackie plays King, a local drug dealer and former associate of Starr’s father Maverick. Mackie, who’s been a staple in the Avengers franchise playing the superhero Falcon, says he was quick to jump on the project.

“I wanted to do it, because it’s very important,” he says. “I’ve worked with George Tillman [director] three times now and seeing a young woman find her voice and get an opportunity as the star of a studio movie is few and far between. So, when I read the script I felt like… It was– if I have any little bit of star to add to that, to make sure that that story is told, I would add that star to that.”

The Hate U Give, also starring Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall and Russell Hornsby, hits theaters nationwide on Friday.

Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

staticsocialfacebookpr1200x630ironmaiden2024regionalmodacenter1014-0ff3a5d9-4f55-4498-a398-e4c76d0af8e8

Iron Maiden Live in Portland at The Moda Center

Don’t miss the most explosive live spectacular ever as Iron Maiden brings their legendary British heavy metal sound to The Moda Center on The Future Past Tour! Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with pyro, lights,

static_digital_928x288_korn_2024_regional_modacenter_1008

KORN with Gojira, Spiritbox

Get ready for an epic night of rock as KORN takes the Moda Center on October 8th! Joining them will be special guests Gojira and Spiritbox for a night of high-energy that you won’t want to miss.

1972bd2c-ec92-4f33-80b9-ed51276b7445

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Hot Planet Tour

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Snotty Nose Rez Kids tore into the music scene with unmistakeable talent and an unforgettable name. Showing off their lyrical prowess and natural storytelling ability, Yung Trybez and Young D jumpstarted the