Could the search for the DCU’s Diana Prince finally be over, or is James Gunn playing the long game with a massive character bait-and-switch? While the Marvel camp is reeling from Doomsday leaks, the DC Universe is currently in a full-blown "casting frenzy" for the highly anticipated Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow. With filming officially kicking off this week under the working title Exodus, all eyes are on Adria Arjona. The Andor star has been confirmed for a "mystery role", and the internet is currently split down the middle: are we looking at our new Wonder Woman, or the intergalactic powerhouse Maxima?

Adria Arjona: Wonder Woman or Maxima?

The rumour mill shifted into overdrive following reports that Arjona beat out several finalists for a key part in the 2027 sequel. While trade outlets like Deadline have "confirmed" she is playing Maxima—an alien queen obsessed with finding her "perfect mate" in Superman—the fandom isn't quite buying it. Many believe Maxima is merely a smoke screen to protect the biggest casting reveal since David Corenswet donned the cape. Arjona certainly has the screen presence and "warrior" energy required for Wonder Woman, and with the Trinity needing to be completed before the Justice League era begins, the timing feels impeccable.

The Supergirl Fallout and the Need for a Win

The pressure for a home-run casting has never been higher, especially following the mixed reception to the first Supergirl trailer which dropped in late March. While many praised Milly Alcock’s edgy, "Starlord-esque" portrayal of Kara Zor-El, a vocal section of the fanbase is worried the DCU is leaning too heavily into the "funky cosmic" vibe and losing the epic, cinematic weight of the source material. A definitive, high-calibre reveal like Arjona as Wonder Woman could be exactly what the DCU needs to unify the fans and prove that Gunn’s "Gods and Monsters" chapter has the gravitas to match its scale.

Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on James Gunn’s social media over the next fortnight. He has a habit of debunking "mystery roles" right as the first on-set photos begin to leak.

What’s Next for Man of Tomorrow?

Whether she’s playing the Queen of Almerac or the Princess of Themyscira, Arjona’s inclusion confirms that Man of Tomorrow is going to be a much larger ensemble piece than the first film. With Lars Eidinger recently cast as Brainiac, the stakes for Corenswet’s Superman have effectively tripled. The official line-up now includes:

• Adria Arjona: The mystery powerhouse (rumoured Maxima/Wonder Woman).

• Lars Eidinger: Vril Dox, otherwise known as the world-collecting Brainiac.

• Nicholas Hoult: Reprising his role as a Lex Luthor forced into an uneasy alliance with the Man of Steel.

As the production moves through Atlanta this spring, the truth about Arjona’s role is bound to surface. Until then, the debate continues: is she the hero the DCU deserves, or the villain Superman never saw coming? Watch this space.