A common trajectory for actors in Hollywood is starring in independent movies that gain traction and launch them into more meaty and prominent roles. One particular actor seems to be destined for this track, yet still isn’t quite there. This is Anthony Mackie. Over the course of this piece, I will examine the various characters Mackie has played, and ask why he is still finding himself in these kinds of roles.

First, let’s get this out of the way: Anthony Mackie is extremely talented. This can often be a reason why actors don’t land roles, but he is far from being a one-note actor. If you need proof, watch his final scene in The Hurt Locker. Six years later I still remember the emotion and authenticity from that moment. The fact that he wasn’t even mentioned as an Oscar contender that year is ludicrous.

To see the issue of his representation I’m talking about, take one particular example: Pain & Gain. Look at the movie’s main poster: 3 buff movie stars:

(Courtesy of IMP Awards)

Take a closer look: two headlining names, Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. Where’s Anthony Mackie’s name? He’s right next to them, he’s starred in just as many acclaimed movies as his co-stars and isn’t even included on the poster. He may not have as big of a commercial presence as the former, but he is in the movie just as much. I would expect to have his name on the poster by Wahlberg and Johnson, especially if his face is. Some posters didn’t even bother including his image.

He started his career going to Julliard and performing on Broadway (again confirming his acting chops,) and got his first big break as the main antagonist to Eminem in 8 Mile. The running theme is that he so frequently plays the most prominent supporting role to another actor. Let’s take a closer look at Mackie’s most well-known filmography. In Notorious (2009), Mackie is Tupac in a film about Biggie. Indie drama Repentance has Mackie out-shadowed by Forest Whitaker. Real Steel features Mackie as the good friend of the protagonist Hugh Jackman. The aforementioned Pain & Gain has Mackie behind Johnson and Wahlberg. The Hurt Locker, arguably the film that propelled Mackie the furthest, features him as the largest supporting role to Renner. In star-studded films Million Dollar Baby and Gangster Squad, Mackie plays a small supporting role. And most recently, he has taken on the role of The Falcon in Marvel Universe entries Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron. So far, his role has been no more than a glorified sidekick to Chris Evans.

(Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Courtesy of HitFix)

Looking at this list, I recall an incredible range of performances that fits in seamlessly to each film. His chameleon nature has landed him roles in big movies but hasn’t elevated him to star status. Despite the fact that he has starred in all these movies, the masses don’t recognize his name. By the list of movies alone (not to mention a few more,) you would assume this is the resume of a well-known star. Mackie has modestly starred in 2 Best Picture winners, 2 Marvel movies (and counting), and a slew of action movies and dramas, but still is not even close to a headlining name.

There are three movies in which Mackie is billed as the leading actor. Unfortunately, they left more to be desired. Spike Lee’s She Hate Me was a critical flop, Night Catches Us was a Sundance alum turned commercial flop, and Crossover was a critical and commercial flop. I stand by the fact that these aren’t a strong enough test of how he can carry a movie.

So why has this been the case? It could be that Mackie is suffering from the lack of roles for non-white actors, especially in lead roles. It also could be that his versatility that has landed him so many roles has made it difficult for audiences to keep up with him, unlike Samuel L. Jackson or Idris Elba, whose roles have more similarities to one another. The truth may be a combination of both. With few leading roles for non-white actors, Mackie has been able to capitalize on supporting roles in big projects because he stands out so much. The filmography reflects an actor who has a great agent getting both versatility and big budget (presumably well paid) roles. It still remains irritating that this hasn’t allowed for him to fully break out.

(The Hurt Locker. Courtesy of Movpins)

However, there is good news that lies ahead. Mackie is in talks to star in a new film from Justin Simien, who directed the Sundance breakout Dear White People. The film, Make a Wish, is a comedy, and for better or worse will be a major test for both the star and the director. How much money it makes will affect how much their careers will be boosted. Here’s hoping that Make a Wish, as well as other future prospects, will allow general audiences to see the true range and ability that Anthony Mackie possesses that has managed to go unnoticed thus far.