The highly anticipated follow-up to last summer's hit Superman, titled Man of Tomorrow, is currently in the midst of a significant casting search for a key role. Initial online speculation suggested the search was for Wonder Woman, who has yet to debut in James Gunn's new cinematic DCU. However, James Gunn has strongly refuted these rumors, clarifying that the role is not for Wonder Woman and labeling the reports as incorrect and shoddy.

Reports initially emerged that up-and-coming actresses Marisa Abela, Adria Arjona, and Ella Purnell were testing for the space-faring superheroine role. This report was later revised, first removing Abela and Purnell, and then ultimately including only Arjona. Gunn, however, has vehemently disputed the coverage, stating that he has never met Purnell or Abela, despite being a fan of their work. He also highlighted his long-standing friendship with Adria Arjona, whom he previously cast in his film The Belko Experiment, and had even commented that she would be "a great Wonder Woman." Despite the shifting reports and Gunn's denials, the character in question for the casting is Maxima, a figure with a rich history in the Superman lore.

Maxima, created by Roger Stern and the late George Pérez in 1989's Action Comics #645, is the alien queen of the planet Almerac. Driven by a quest for a worthy mate to rule by her side, Maxima has often set her sights on Superman, refusing to accept his rejections. Her dynamic with the Man of Steel has been complex; while frequently acting as a foe, even collaborating with villains like Brainiac and the Superman Revenge League, she has also pursued heroic endeavors, at one point joining the Justice League. Maxima has also appeared in various adaptations, portrayed by Charlotte Sullivan in the TV series Smallville and by professional wrestler Eve Torres Gracie in Supergirl. Her character was also featured in an episode of Superman: The Animated Series, with Sharon Lawrence providing her voice.

Man of Tomorrow, which James Gunn emphatically states is not a sequel to Superman, promises to bring a compelling new narrative to the DCU. The film will feature Superman, played by David Corenswet, and his archfoe Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, in an unlikely alliance. They will be forced to team up against the world-threatening menace of Brainiac, with Lars Eidinger cast in the role. Rachel Brosnahan will appear as Lois Lane and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. James Gunn returns to write and direct the film, and he has confirmed that only one role is left to cast. Man of Tomorrow is slated for release in theaters on July 7, 2027.