Captain America: The Winter Soldier is scheduled to begin principal photography in March 2013, with Chris Evans reprising his role as the titular hero and Anthony Mackie signed on to play The Falcon, directors Joe and Anthony Russo are still searching for an actress to play Captain America’s love interest.

We previously reported that Anna Kendrick, Felicity Jones, and Imogen Poots were in the running for a mysterious role. No one could confirm it, but it was speculated that the mysterious role was that of Captain America’s love interest. Not much has been heard since the report was made public, but it appears that Poots was the only one who tested well, as her name appears on new set shortlist of actresses vying for the role.

Deadline reports that Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies, I Am Number Four), and Alison Brie (Community, Mad Men) are now in the running for this mysterious role.

This is the second time that Poots’ name has appeared in a Captain America-related casting report, which could imply that the Russos are leaning towards her. But then there is Brie. Although she isn’t known for her film work, Brie might have a shot at being cast due to her role in Community, a show that the Russos were heavily involved in before they signed on to direct Captain America 2.

In some related news, Variety’s Jeff Sneider confirms that Scarlett Johansson‘s Black Widow will appear in the sequel as well. Of course we won’t know the extent of her role until the film comes out, but at least we know that we will be seeing Black Widow again.

So which actress should be cast in Captain America: The Winter Soldier? How much of a role will the Black Widow play in the sequel?

[Source: Deadline | Variety]