James Gunn’s DC Universe is starting to take sharper shape. As Superman: Man of Tomorrow gears up for production, the spotlight has shifted to a major new character — and three strong contenders are now in the mix.
According to reports, James Gunn is testing Marisa Abela, Adria Arjona, and Ella Purnell for the role of Maxima — a powerful and unpredictable character from DC Comics.
And this isn’t a small addition.
Maxima, the warrior queen of Almerac, is one of those characters who can’t be boxed into a single role. In the comics, she’s been everything — antagonist, ally, and even a complicated romantic interest for Superman. Her arrival in the film signals that Gunn is expanding the emotional and political layers of this universe, not just the action.
Interestingly, despite multiple TV appearances in shows like Smallville and Supergirl, Maxima has never been portrayed in a live-action DC film before. That alone makes this casting crucial — whoever lands the role will essentially define the character for a global audience.
Each contender brings something different.
Marisa Abela, fresh off critical acclaim for Back to Black, carries intensity and dramatic depth. Adria Arjona, already familiar with franchise filmmaking through projects like Morbius and Andor, brings screen presence and genre experience. Ella Purnell, known for Fallout and Arcane, adds a mix of emotional nuance and genre versatility.
So the choice isn’t obvious — and that’s what makes it interesting.
The film itself is shaping up to be bigger in scale compared to its predecessor. David Corenswet returns as Superman, alongside Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. This time, the threat escalates with the introduction of Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger — a character known for blending intelligence with existential danger.
Returning faces like Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), and Sara Sampaio are expected to continue their arcs, while new additions like Aaron Pierre are likely to expand the DCU’s interconnected world.
That’s the key shift here.
If the first film established Superman, Man of Tomorrow seems focused on building the universe around him — introducing characters who can challenge him not just physically, but emotionally and ideologically.
Production is set to begin in April in Atlanta, with a release date locked for July 9, 2027.
For now, all eyes are on one decision: who becomes Maxima.
Because in a film already stacked with heavy hitters, this role could quietly become one of the most defining pieces of Gunn’s evolving DC Universe.
