Anthony Mackie's jab at Tyler James Williams sparks online debate

Anthony Mackie praises Tyler James Williams for transitioning from his child acting career with dignity.

In a recent episode of Variety's "Actors on Actors" interview series, Anthony Mackie and Tyler James Williams shared a lighthearted moment that sparked considerable online discussion. The two actors, both currently prominent in Hollywood, engaged in a playful exchange that caught the attention of fans and social media users.

Anthony Mackie to Tyler James Williams: "You was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude."

Williams: "I want to say we were all weird-looking kids." #ActorsOnActors https://t.co/8eG10uxrAJ pic.twitter.com/3z8N7UGh2c

— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2024

During the interview, Mackie, known for his role as Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, praised Williams for transitioning from his child acting career with dignity. Williams, who gained fame on the show "Everybody Hates Chris" and now stars in ABC's "Abbott Elementary," responded with a compliment to Mackie. In a humorous turn, Mackie joked, "Naw, but you was a weird-looking kid, and you grew up to be, like, a good-looking dude." Williams replied, "I want to say we were all weird-looking kids. Mine was just documented. I haven't seen your photos." Mackie humorously concluded, "Exactly! And you will never see it!"

Had Tyler replied with “you’re a weird looking adult,” I would be inconsolable. Mackie tried it. pic.twitter.com/pJ9o5ZeYO3

— Cozy (@Alliig8torTears) June 8, 2024

Y'all def blowing this outta proportion cause I remember not having a crush on Tyler James .... cause he was weird looking. It ain't sound mean at all lol

— Sophieeeeeee (@theasophia_) June 8, 2024

The internet quickly reacted to this exchange. Some users viewed Mackie's comment as playful teasing, while others interpreted it as throwing shade at Williams' childhood appearance. 

However, some responses took a critical turn towards Mackie's own appearance.

Now why didn’t Tyler say “you still weird looking” 🤣

— Sagittarius Jones (@SupaFragilistik) June 8, 2024

Anthony Mackie has a lot of nerve calling someone “weird looking” when everytime we see him he looks like he’s eating skittles and knows a secret

— demotivational speaker. 💖 (@hey_sita) June 8, 2024

Amidst the reactions, some fans defended the exchange as harmless banter. Some users emphasized that the two actors were merely joking and that the interaction should not be blown out of proportion.

In conclusion, while the playful comments between Mackie and Williams stirred a variety of responses, it is evident that both actors are well-regarded for their talents and continue to enjoy significant popularity in Hollywood.