The search for the female lead of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is becoming one of those long-winded musical chair sessions. First it was Imogen Poots vs. Felicity Jones vs. Anna Kendrick, then it was Poots up against a few other names, including Alison Brie, Emilia Clarke, Teresa Palmer and Jessica Brown-Findlay. Now, the latest rumor suggests it may not be any of the above. Latino Review reports that Marvel actually “has the most traction” with a name that has not been on either list: Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

The young lady chosen will likely be playing Sharon Carter, or S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 13 in the film opposite Chris Evans returning as Steve Rogers. Depending on the mythology, which varies even in the comics, Sharon is the niece or granddaughter or some other relative of Peggy Carter, Rogers’ love interest in “Captain America: The First Avenger” as played by Hayley Atwell. Latino Review further details that actresses auditioning for the role should be in their 20s and read their lines with “an accent.”

Marvel is so interested in Winstead that allegedly they are holding off on screen-testing the previously shortlisted actresses while they negotiate with her, so it sounds like the role is hers if she wants it. It’s perhaps not a surprise that Winstead is high on their wishlist, as they are familiar with her after having tested her for the role of Maria Hill in “The Avengers”, which ultimately went to Cobie Smulders. She is also currently earning raves for her performance as a recovering alcoholic in Sundance premiere “Smashed”, which is garnering her plenty of Oscar talk. And she’s certainly got the sort of seriousness and gravitas that Atwell displayed which made her such a strong and believable foil for Evans’ Cap.

All in all, we think this would be a great casting choice and hope it works out. Anthony and Joseph Russo will direct “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” next March, with a release already set for April 4, 2014. Sebastian Stan is returning to play Bucky Barnes, who ultimately becomes the Winter Soldier, Scarlett Johansson is reprising her role as Black Widow and Anthony Mackie will bring Marvel superhero Falcon to life.

Winstead is one of the most versatile rising actresses around, having headlined plenty of horror films (“Final Destination 3″, “Black Christmas”, “The Thing”), big budget blockbusters (“Live Free or Die Hard”, “Scott Pilgrim vs the World”, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”), quirky indie comedies (“A.C.O.D.”, “Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III”) and now, with “Smashed”, she’s a critically acclaimed dramatic actress as well. Marvel, what are you waiting for?