So far, Sam Wilson’s MCU journey has been defined by his bromances, from his friendship with Steve Rogers to his fan-favorite dynamic with Bucky Barnes in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But now it seems Sam will be looking for love in his upcoming movie Captain America: New World Order, as the latest word on what the movie has in store is pointing to the second Sentinel of Liberty landing himself a new love interest.
According to intel shared by The Cosmic Circus, the character of Leila Taylor will factor into the upcoming film, which is to be directed by Julius Onah. While far from an iconic Marvel character, comic book readers may be familiar with Taylor thanks to her status as Sam’s primary love interest during the 1970s. Almost like Sam’s answer to Lois Lane, Leila was a smart, outspoken reporter who would nonetheless often have to fill the role of damsel in distress so Falcon could save her.
While not 100% confirmed, it’s strongly believed that recent addition to the cast Xosha Roquemore will be filling this role, with her key part in the production officially still under wraps. Following previous reports that the female version of Diamondback could appear in the film, it was thought that Roquemore might be taking on this character instead, but it’s now looking like she’ll serve as New World Order‘s heroic female lead instead.
With her ties to The Daily Bugle on the page, Leila might just offer up some interesting Spider-Man ties, not that the film needs more in the way of MCU crossovers — considering The Incredible Hulk‘s Leader is on board and rumor has it Sam will assemble the New Avengers in the film. All in all, this is exciting news, except for those still holding out hope that Marvel was someday going to make Sam/Bucky canon.
Captain America: New World Order arrives in theaters on May 3, 2024.