Jessica Brown Findlay - Jessica Brown Findlay In The Running For Captain America Role

DOWNTON ABBEY star Jessica Brown Findlay is hoping to swap period dramas for superhero movies with a role in the next Captain America film.

The British actress, who plays Lady Sybill in the hit U.K. drama series, is said to be in the running to star opposite Chris Evans in upcoming sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo are said to have put together a shortlist of five actresses for the lead female role in the film, taking over from British star Hayley Atwell who appeared as the superhero's love interest in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger.

Findlay is on the list along with Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, Australian actress Teresa Palmer, 28 Weeks Later's Imogen Poots and Mad Men star Alison Brie, according to Deadline.com.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is due to hit cinemas in 2014.