In 2004, Clint Eastwood came out with the Academy Award-winning film, Million Dollar Baby. In the film, Clint Eastwood was joined by a number of incredible actors including, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, Hilary Swank, and more. While every actor involved in this masterpiece was simply a ‘chef’s kiss,’ let’s talk about Morgan Freeman and Anthony Mackie, for now.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Anthony Mackie played the role of Shawrelle Berry, an arrogant and overzealous boxer. His co-star, Morgan Freeman portrayed Eddie Dupris, a trainer and former boxer. The actor won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and perhaps the reason behind his victory was that his acting was raw and real. Maybe, a little too real…

Clint Eastwood Laughed When Morgan Freeman Hurt His Co-Star

Morgan Freeman and Anthony Mackie’s fight in Million Dollar Baby
Anthony Mackie’s character was humbled by Morgan Freeman’s Eddie Dupris when the two battled it out in a ring. However, while Freeman was supposed to fake punch Mackie, he decided to hit the Captain America 4 actor for real. Talking to The Times, Mackie stated,
“He was supposed to be fake punching me, right? But he was punching me for real! And there’s nothing like old black dude country strength. It hurt so bad.”
When Mackie tried to confide in the film’s director and lead actor, Clint Eastwood, he assured him that he will have a talk with Freeman. In an interesting turn of events though, Eastwood and Freeman’s discussion about the very real punches would turn into the duo laughing at the situation in a corner. And when it was time to reshoot the scene, Freeman did not end up holding back any punches like Mackie would’ve thought.
“And I would go to Clint Eastwood and say, ‘Yo! Morgan is hitting me for real.’ And Clint would say, ‘OK, I’ll talk to him.’ And him and Morgan would be in the corner laughing together, and we’d do another take and he’d punch me again! It was a lesson learnt and also a great experience.”
Looks like Mackie became the center of Freeman and Eastwood’s hilarious prank! However, since the actor termed it as a great experience, he surely does not hold a grudge against two of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Anthony Mackie Wants to Work with Clint Eastwood Again

Clint Eastwood in Million Dollar Baby
Despite Eastwood not doing much to help Mackie’s situation in Million Dollar Baby, the 8 Mile actor would once again like to collaborate with him. During the Middle East Film and Comic Con in 2017, Mackie was asked about what his dream role would be. To this, he replied stating that he would love to do a Western film where he got to ride a horse and carry a pistol. Joining him on his dream adventure would be none other than Eastwood himself.
“Like, me and Clint Eastwood on a horse, riding through the desert. I’ll hold him around the waist. ‘Ride on Clint!’”
We don’t know about you but we are all in for the idea! Who wouldn’t want to watch a buddy film with Eastwood and Mackie?

You can rent/buy Million Dollar Baby from Prime Video.

Source: The Times