Hayley Atwell Won't Be In CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

There had been rumblings that actress Hayley Atwell was possibly reprising the role of Peggy in Captain America: The Winter Solider. It wasn't defined what that return would look like. A couple of ways included flashbacks to the WWII era, her playing an aged Carter or her taking on the present day Carter role of Sharon who is S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Confirmation of sorts coming from Timeout (via ThePlaylist) gives the impression that Atwell won't be back afterall. It's expected a new actress will be hired to portray a present day female lead and love interest. The cast already includes Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Frank Grillo, Sebastian Stan and Cobie Smulders.

A bunch of trades have reported a slew of actresses in the running for a new female lead, assumed to be Peggy's relative S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter. They included Oscar nominated Anna Kendrick (End of Watch, Up In The Air, 50/50), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Death Proof, Smashed), Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), Jessica Brown Findlay (Winter's Tale, Downton Abbey), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Alison Brie, Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) and Imogen Poots (Fright Night, Centurion, 28 Weeks Later). Kendrick played it coy when asked about her involvement. However, candidates such as Winstead and Jones have flat out denied they have been contacted about it. Even though reputable source LatinoReview has pegged Winstead (previously tested for Maria Hill in Avengers) as a front-runner. Both Anna and Mary Elizabeth worked with Chris Evans on Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.

A UK site mentioned Jessica Brown Findlay who is gaining popularity for her series Downton Abbey as another actress the studio is hot for. Alison Brie's Community connection to directors The Russo Brothers could help her chances along with her ability to use a convincing British accent. Emilia Clarke best known for her pivotial role in Game of Thrones could also be helped by her connections to Thrones showrunner Alan Taylor who is directing Thor: The Dark World.