Anthony Mackie reveals Eminem’s brutal bars in 8 Mile final battle scene were literally about him

Anthony Mackie has recently sat down on The Pivot Podcast where he shared his rise to stardom in the film industry and talked about how it all started and the challenges faced along the way. This open-book conversation between the guys was hilarious, riveting and full of energy and insight as we learn the real story behind a young black man who grew up in Louisiana with big screen aspirations and wasn’t afraid to be different to pursue his dreams.

At one point of the interview, the crew talked about Anthony Mackie’s role in Eminem’s 8 Mile movie, playing as Papa Doc. Originally, Anthony only had 3 scenes in film before his role expanded. Eminem couldn’t figure out why their characters were beefing so Em learned about Mackie’s background of private schools, Juilliard and strong family structure. From that, Papa Doc’s back story was created and we got to see it all on the big screen!

“Cranbrook thing was not in the movie. We are doing a movie and…Eminem is such a brilliant dude, we are on set one day and he’s like ‘yo, it does not make sense that we beefing, I need something on you.’ So we talked like two hours, chilling. Next day we shooting the battle scene and that’s why I’m standing there like ‘You are talking about me! You are not talking about Clarence! It has nothing to do with the character. You are an a–hole Eminem!’ I’m like ‘I will fight this motherf–ker.’ I’m like ‘yes, my parents are still married!'” said Anthony Mackie.

Watch the interview below.