Harrison Ford’s Hidden Talent Revealed: How He and Anthony Mackie Connected Over Carpentry!

When Captain America: Brave New World hit theaters in February 2025, fans were eager to see Anthony Mackie take up the mantle of Captain America for his first full-length feature film. Alongside him was Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as President Thaddeus Ross. But as it turns out, the most surprising story from behind the scenes isn’t about superhero action or CGI wizardry—it’s about woodworking.

A Shared Passion for Craftsmanship

In interviews leading up to the film’s release, Mackie revealed that he and Ford forged a surprising connection over their shared love of carpentry and building things by hand. Mackie, the son of a construction company owner, has often spoken about his love of renovating homes and making furniture in his downtime. Ford, famously a carpenter before his acting career took off, brought decades of experience to their conversations. What started as casual talk about their off-screen hobbies soon turned into a deep dive into the finer points of woodworking.

“We bonded in a way of just two human beings that had similar interests,” Mackie shared in a Deadline interview. “He’s an outdoor guy. I’m an outdoor guy. We both like to work with our hands.” The two actors discussed everything from router bits to sanding techniques, with Mackie even showing Ford pictures of his tool shed. Ford’s genuine interest and expertise turned these chats into what Mackie called “the weirdest sh*t,” but also some of the most enjoyable moments on set.

Breaking Down the Hollywood Barrier

Working with an icon like Ford might be nerve-wracking for any actor, but Mackie said these unexpected conversations helped ease the tension. “I was definitely nervous at first,” Mackie admitted. “He’s Harrison Ford! But he just chilled with us like a regular person.” Their shared passion for woodworking not only broke the ice but also set a tone of collaboration and mutual respect. The camaraderie carried over into the production itself, creating a relaxed yet productive atmosphere.

Crafting More Than Just a Film

For Mackie and Ford, bonding over woodworking turned out to be more than just a hobby—it was a reminder of the human connections that underpin the world of larger-than-life superhero stories. As Captain America: Brave New World continues its box office success, the stories from behind the scenes show that even on a set filled with Marvel’s trademark spectacle, it’s the smaller, more personal moments that leave a lasting impression.