Anthony Mackie wants SRK in the ‘Avengers’: The next Iron Man?

Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America, hailed Shah Rukh Khan as the best and shared his wish to see the Bollywood icon join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as an Avenger.

The actor, who’s the latest to take up Captain America’s shield, has his sights set on SRK joining the “Avengers” franchise. Given Marvel Studios’ global appeal, they should have considered SRK from the outset—his presence would seamlessly complement Thor, Falcon, Hulk, Iron Man, and the rest of the team.

During an interview on Wednesday (February 12), Mackie was asked which Bollywood star he’d like to see in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Without hesitation, he named the “Jawan” (2023) actor, exclaiming, “He is the best, damn!” Of course, no confirmation was needed—SRK’s legacy speaks for itself.

Shah Rukh Khan has all the makings of the next Iron Man. With his razor-sharp wit and effortless charm, he could match the charisma Robert Downey Jr brought to the role—perhaps even surpass it when it comes to romance.

Moreover, he would look great spouting Iron Man’s iconic dialogues,  and will redefine the Marvel superhero’s love-hate relationship with Captain America – perhaps as a sibling-like camaraderie.

And it’s not just Captain America who believes SRK belongs in the Marvel Universe.

Back in 2022, Benedict Cumberbatch—known for portraying Doctor Strange—picked King Khan over Hrithik Roshan as his preferred Bollywood addition to the Avengers.

Even earlier, in 2018, Stephen Wacker, then Marvel’s vice president of creative development, hinted at the studio’s long-term vision for engaging Indian audiences.

“If we ever create Indian content, Shah Rukh Khan has to be in it—there’s no question about it,” he once remarked in an interview.

These are just some of the many signals pointing to the fact that SRK’s Avengers debut is long overdue. And with so much energy behind the idea, perhaps it’s only a matter of time before the universe finally aligns to make it a reality.

Shah Rukh Khan has already dabbled in the superhero genre with “Ra One” (2011). While the film had its flaws, even Marvel has had its missteps along the way.

Joining the “Avengers” could be SRK’s ultimate redemption arc—silencing critics and proving that he was always destined for the superhero spotlight.

The hints have been there all along. In “Deadpool 2” (2018), during a taxi ride featuring Cable, Deadpool, and Dopinder, the song “Yu Hi Chala Chal Rahi” from SRK’s “Swades” (2004) plays on the radio.

While Cable tries to lower the volume, Juggernaut—an unstoppable mutant—intervenes, insisting that he likes the song.

If there’s one lesson Shah Rukh Khan could impart to the Avengers, it would be how to navigate their tangled love lives. He is, after all, the king of romance. And let’s not forget—he could also teach them a thing or two about dancing.

Sure, “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024) might boast an energetic dance number, but it pales in comparison to SRK’s performances in “Zinda Banda” from “Jawan” and “Jhoome Jo Pathaan” from “Pathaan” (2023). No one masters the hook steps quite like him.

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