Captain America has long been one of my favorite Marvel properties, and I’m happy to see it continue with Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson taking up the mantle in his own film. Seeing him in action in that incredible Falcon-Cap costume at the end of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, was enough to make me very excited to see what this Cap would do on the big screen. But we won’t just see more high-flying action in Captain America: New World Order. We’re sure to learn even more about Sam’s private life and the struggles he faces as the new Cap. And he’s not going to do it all alone. I have exclusively learned of a new but established Marvel comics character who will be appearing in the film as well – Leila Taylor.
A(nother) love interest for Sam Wilson? What about those Diamondback rumors?
If you don’t know already, Leila Taylor in the comics was Sam Wilson’s girlfriend for a time. But if you follow leaks for this film, you might recall a recent casting grid that came out via insider Daniel RPK’s Patreon that seemed to indicate that Diamondback will be “possibly a love interest” for Sam.
CAPTAIN AMERICA NEW WORLD ORDER
New casting. [DIAMONDBACK]
Female, early to mid-30s. Open ethnicity Lead.
Opposite Anthony, a villain but also possibly a love interest, there will be an option for more after this film. WILL BE A STRAIGHT OFFER – (via Daniel RPK’s Patreon)
I’m not saying that’s wrong, both could certainly be true (and yes, I too have heard that Diamondback is in this film). However, Leila Taylor has a more direct past as a love interest for Sam specifically in the comics, whereas Rachel Leighton aka Diamondback was more romantically involved with Steve Rogers’ Cap. That being said, it seems as if there will be more than one “love interest” for Sam Wilson in the upcoming film.
Other than Sam Wilson’s girlfriend, who is Leila Taylor?
Leila is not a big flashy character like Diamondback but she has a history with Sam Wilson and could prove to be a great addition as a supporting character for our hero. Many thanks to Vin for helping me with some research on the character and providing me with a quick Leila Taylor reading guide for this article. (More comics reading guides by Vin!)
Leila Taylor Reading Guide
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- Captain America (1968) #139-144, 149-161, 165-171, 178, 183-184, 188, 191-193, 201-203, 206-209, 252, 272, 276-278, 284
- Marvel Premiere (1972) #49
- Captain America and the Falcon (2004) #1-4, 7
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Leila Taylor was created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. in 1971, first appearing in Captain America comics. She was a major recurring character in the original Captain America series as Sam Wilson’s girlfriend, but faded into obscurity in the 2000s and hasn’t been seen since. Despite being a fierce, strong-willed advocate for equal rights, she was often used as a damsel in distress. Leila and Sam eventually went their separate ways. She was last seen as a reporter for the Daily Bugle.
Based on her comics past, it’s likely that Leila will be someone Sam knows as a reporter or from his work with the community or both. While she isn’t a character with superpowers, she can perhaps help provide some support and grounding for Sam as he faces a bigger worldwide fight. Here’s hoping any “damsel in distress” stuff is at a minimum, and they focus more on making her a well-written, strong, female character as it seems from the comics there is good potential there for her.
What I Heard: Xosha Roquemore is “probably” playing Leila Taylor
While my highly trusted source on Leila was certain of her involvement in Captain America: New World Order, they were hesitant to say with 100% certainty about who was playing her. However, we believe, and are fairly certain, that this role has gone to Xosha Roquemore. I’ll be sure to correct this later if I find out differently about the casting.
Deadline reported just a few weeks ago about Roquemore’s addition to the cast, and that her “new role is also being kept under wraps.” Many had speculated that perhaps she was playing Diamondback, especially after Daniel RPK’s casting call post. It appears to me she will be playing Leila Taylor instead. I have no other information to share at this time about who may be playing Diamondback or the rest of the Serpent Society in the film. But perhaps I’ll be able to update some of that later in the year.
In other Captain America: New World Order news…
So you may have noticed I am confirming that I have also heard, what others have been rumoring and reporting for a while now, that the Serpent Society and Diamondback are a part of the fourth Captain America film. What else? Well, there’s stuff I’m allowed to say and there’s stuff I can’t say at this time, sadly.
But here are a few things I can share that others may or may not have hinted at. For starters, those of you excited about the return of Tim Blake Nelson as Leader will be happy to learn that I’ve heard that he’s green and going to be very comic-accurate.
As for Bucky Barnes, some may have been surprised to not see Sebastian Stan as part of the cast at the Captain America: New World Order D23 stage with Anthony Mackie – instead appearing with the Thunderbolts cast at last year’s D23 Expo. There hasn’t been much said about whether Stan’s Winter Soldier would appear in this film too. This was slightly surprising to me, especially considering he was such a pivotal character in past Captain America movies, not to mention a begrudging BFF to Sam in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
I’ve heard from trusted sources that Bucky is currently expected to appear very briefly in New World Order. Last I heard, prior to the New Year, Bucky would only have one or two scenes in the film before going off to join the Thunderbolts. I will add however, I was told there was a rewrite to be submitted around the New Year, so it’s possible this plan has changed to increase or decrease his role. It seems likely however that both Caps’ best buddy Bucky Barnes will appear, even if very briefly, in New World Order. It is less likely that he has a significant role in that film beyond that, however.
Follow The Cosmic Circus for more on New World Order!
Captain America: New World Order is expected to start filming on March 20, 2023 with a release date set for May 3, 2024. The film will be directed by Julius Onah, and stars Anthony Mackie, Carl Lumbly, Harrison Ford, Tim Blake Nelson, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, and Xosha Roquemore.
I’m excited about this film and hope to bring you more information once it starts filming in Georgia in March. To receive updates, follow @mycosmiccircus on Twitter, join the email updates list (scroll down), or join The Cosmic Circus Discord where you can chat with other fans and the writers from the site!
Exclusive: Captain America: New World Order Production Co. and Updates
