‘Man of Tomorrow’ Reveals Finalists for Maxima Role and the Competition Is Fierce

James Gunn recently addressed the swirling casting rumors for the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, with his trademark directness. Reports initially surfaced on Wednesday, April 8, suggesting that Marisa Abela, Ella Purnell, and Adria Arjona had screen-tested for the pivotal role of Maxima.

Gunn was quick to label the claims “bulls**t” on social media, specifically noting that while he has a long-standing friendship with Arjona, he has never even met Abela or Purnell. Following the director’s rebuttal, a revised list of potential finalists has emerged, keeping the fans in a state of high anticipation.

The latest report names Adria Arjona alongside Grace Van Patten, Eva De Dominici, and Sydney Chandler as the four women currently in the running for the Almeracian queen. Maxima, a character first introduced in 1989, is known for her immense power and her complicated history as both a fierce antagonist and a persistent suitor for the Man of Steel.

Gunn has teased that the film will explore a tenuous alliance between Superman and Lex Luthor as they face a monumental cosmic threat. “It’s as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie,” Gunn shared during a recent interview, adding that he feels a deep personal connection to the complexity of the script.

With production set to begin later this month, the director confirmed that only one major role remains to be filled, making the Maxima casting the final piece of the puzzle for the 2027 blockbuster. The actresses currently linked to the role have all been navigating significant milestones in their own careers throughout the early parts of the year.

Sydney Chandler recently headlined the FX series Alien: Earth, which concluded its first season to strong reviews in late 2025. Grace Van Patten is coming off the series finale of her hit Hulu drama Tell Me Lies, which aired its final episode in February.

Eva De Dominici has seen her profile rise significantly following her work on The Cleaning Lady, and she recently starred in the mythological action film Your Heart Will Be Broken, released in February.

Adria Arjona has also stayed prominently in the mix, having recently appeared in the Pirelli Calendar. As for the returning cast, David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult will lead the film, joined by Lars Eidinger as the villainous Brainiac and Aaron Pierre as the Green Lantern, John Stewart. Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo are also confirmed to reprise their roles as the film prepares for its July 9, 2027, release date.

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