Cut MCU Villain Role for Alita Star Rosa Salazar Revealed in Marvel Concept Art

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Back in 2025, I almost stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a villain in “Captain America: Brave New World,” and recently unveiled concept art offers a glimpse of what could have been had my role not been scrapped. You might recognize me from films like “Alita: Battle Angel,” the “Divergent” and “Maze Runner” series, as well as “Undone” on Amazon Prime Video. Regrettably, Diamondback was removed from the Phase 5 film, putting my Marvel Universe journey on hold.

In an Instagram post, artist Michael Blackbear Uwandi unveiled designs he created for Diamondback’s character in Brave New World. The designs adhere to the “techwear theme” that was initially planned for the Serpent Society, where Diamondback is a significant member in Marvel Comics. The costume features a full-body black suit, intricate diamondback rattlesnake patterns, and a mask resembling a snake’s face. Unfortunately, Rosa Salazar didn’t appear in Brave New World during its theatrical release, which would have made this an impressive debut for her character in the MCU.

In December 2023, it was confirmed that Rosa Salazar joined the cast of “Captain America: Brave New World.” Photos from the set in June of the following year showed her character, Diamondback, sporting vibrant pink hair. Initially, it was planned for Salazar to portray a member of the Serpent Society alongside WWE wrestler Seth Rollins in an unspecified role. However, when more members of this antagonistic group were set to appear in “Brave New World,” only a version of the Serpent Society led by Sidewinder (portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito) was included in the movie. Unfortunately, neither Rollins nor Salazar’s Diamondback character made an appearance.

1985 marked the introduction of Marvel Comics’ Diamondback in “Captain America #310.” Initially, Rachel Leighton was part of the Serpent Society, clashing with Captain America, played by Steve Rogers. Over time, she developed romantic feelings for Rogers, which led to her transitioning from a villain to an antihero. This transformation saw her leaving the Serpent Society and joining forces with Black Mampa and Asp to form BAD Girls. Later on, Diamondback worked as an agent for SHIELD and a mercenary alongside Domino and Outlaw. If “Captain America: Brave New World” were to be adapted into the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), it could pave the way for a lengthy career for Diamondback in this film universe.

In Uwandi’s design artwork, Diamondback’s costume differs significantly from her usual bright pink attire as depicted in Marvel Comics, where she is typically portrayed with hair to match the same color. However, Rosa Salazar’s version of Diamondback would maintain that vibrant hair hue but opt for a more practical and realistic outfit. With Giancarlo Esposito hinting at future projects for Seth Voelker’s Sidewinder within the MCU, there’s a possibility that Salazar’s Diamondback may appear, though Marvel Studios has not yet confirmed this speculation.

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2025-08-12 21:05