Captain America: Brave New World isn't set to soar until 2025, but it's firmly on schedule for that release. While fans eagerly anticipate its debut, they were recently treated to a first glimpse of a new character, sparking plenty of excitement and theories about their role and identity.

Initially set for a 2024 release, Captain America 4's premiere date shifted several times over the past year. Although scheduled for a 2025 release now, some marketing efforts appear to have been planned with the earlier date in mind. In recent months, promotional materials, including promo art, merchandise, and McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, have been used to advertise the film, offering early glimpses of some characters. Aligning with this approach, a newly released still reveals a new character, immediately recognized by comic book fans as a potential ally of Sam Wilson and possibly Captain America’s love interest in Brave New World.

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In Marvel Studios' latest promotional campaign for Anthony Mackie’s upcoming Captain America film, fans were treated to exciting teasers and new stills, with one behind-the-scenes image particularly catching attention. The photo features director Julius Onah, Anthony Mackie, and newcomer Xosha Roquemore on set. This marks the first appearance of Roquemore’s character in the MCU, who is seen wearing a lapel resembling a U.S. Marshal's badge, sparking speculation and hinting at her potential role as Leila Taylor. Leila was one of Sam Wilson’s key love interests in the comics, and it’s expected that this 2025 film will explore their romantic relationship. Unlike the comics, where their romance predates Sam’s time as Captain America, the movie seems poised to present a fresh take on their story.

In the MCU, while Chris Evans' Captain America had a significant romance with Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter, who caused his weird ending in Avengers: Endgame, Anthony Mackie's Captain America has yet to experience that. However, things seem like they’re about to change in the upcoming fourth installment of the franchise, with talks of introducing Leila Taylor into the mix. Leila, a pivotal character in Sam Wilson's life before he became Captain America, was not only his love interest but also someone privy to his true identity as The Falcon. Known to jump into action alongside her superhero boyfriend, Leila promises to bring a dynamic twist to the narrative as the new Cap takes on formidable foes like Red Hulk and The Leader. Although Xosha Roquemore's casting was previously announced, uncertainty loomed about whom she might portray.

Adding Xosha Roquemore’s Leila Taylor to Captain America will further enrich Sam Wilson’s MCU journey by delving deeper into his personal life. While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier touched on this aspect, introducing a love interest promises a more profound connection to his narrative. However, fans anticipate Roquemore's portrayal to bring a fresh perspective to Leila’s role beyond her romantic involvement. In the comics, Leila is a reporter who often finds herself in perilous situations, enabling Sam to showcase his heroism. Judging from previews, MCU's Taylor appears poised for her own heroics. Nevertheless, it's hoped that Leila will engage in compelling story arcs, showcasing her strength and agency in the plot and transcending the conventional "damsel in distress" trope. Ultimately, the direction of the character rests with the production team.

Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters in February 2025.

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Source: The Direct