The 'Anthony Mackie Smirk' meme, often referred to as the 'Sam Wilson Smirk,' originated from a scene in the Disney+ series 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' released in 2021. The image captures actor Anthony Mackie wearing a playful, knowing, and slightly smug expression while looking toward Bucky Barnes. It quickly became a viral reaction image used to represent feelings of 'I told you so,' witnessing someone else's mistake, or quietly enjoying a chaotic situation. Its popularity stems from Mackie’s charismatic performance and the universal relatability of having a secret or witnessing a predictable outcome unfold.