‘Man of Tomorrow’: James Gunn Denies Ella Purnell, Adria Arjona & Marisa Abela Testing Report

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This summer, a new Superman movie is officially in the works, with James Gunn finalizing the cast for the upcoming sequel, Man of Tomorrow. While David Corenswet will play Superman and Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor, facing off against the villain Brainiac, there’s reportedly one key role still to be filled. Rumors circulated online about a shortlist of actors who might play another villain, but DC Studios quickly confirmed those reports were false.

According to Deadline, Marisa Abela (known for Industry), Adria Arjona (Andor), and Ella Purnell (Fallout) are being considered for a major villain role in the upcoming Superman sequel. The report specifies they are screen-testing for the part of Maxima, an alien queen who is interested in Superman as a partner. Maxima first appeared in Action Comics #645 in 1990, created by Roger Stern and George Pérez.

Soon after Deadline published its story, James Gunn addressed it on Threads. He’s frequently used social media to correct inaccurate reports about the DC Universe, and expressed his “disappointment” with how the outlet covered the news. Gunn then stated:

Deadline’s reporting on this is inaccurate and poorly done. I used to respect their journalism, but this report is a letdown. We would have immediately corrected the information if anyone had asked us to review the names mentioned. I’ve known Adria for years – I cast her in ‘Belko Experiment.’ I admire the work of both Marisa and Ella, though I haven’t personally met them. It’s all quite surprising.

James Gunn says those particular actors aren’t being considered for Man of Tomorrow, but he hasn’t dismissed Maxima as a possibility. Rumors about her appearing in the film started in January 2026, right after Lars Eidinger was cast as Brainiac. Maxima and Brainiac have a history together in the “Panic in the Sky” storyline, but Gunn has confirmed that story won’t be directly adapted for the movie.

With Abela, Arjona, and Purnell not currently testing for roles in the Maxima project, they’re now free to potentially appear in other DC Universe films and shows. Many fans have hoped to see Adria Arjona take on the role of Wonder Woman in the DCU. A fresh start for the DC Universe is underway, with Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira writing the script. Arjona is known for her role in Sony’s Morbius, while Purnell has experience with superhero projects, including Kick-Ass 2 and voicing Jane in Invincible.

Filming for Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to start in April 2026, with the movie expected to be released on July 9, 2027. If the character Maxima is included, news about who will play her should be announced soon. The film already boasts a stellar cast, including David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Joining them will be Isabella Merced as Hawkgirl and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart / Green Lantern, reprising his role from the Lanterns series. The actor chosen to play Maxima will be part of this impressive group.

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2026-04-08 20:47