Four finalists circle a single throne: the queen who could challenge Superman and charm him in the same scene. Which actress can turn a would-be foe into the sequel’s most dangerous temptation?

The race to embody a formidable interstellar queen is tightening, and it’s playing out in Atlanta. Recent auditions have put Adria Arjona, Eva De Dominici, Sydney Chandler and Grace Van Patten in the spotlight for Maxima, the ruler of Almerac who begins as an adversary and aims to marry Superman. James Gunn’s sequel, L’Homme de demain, reunites David Corenswet with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor while adding Lars Eidinger as Brainiac, known for shrinking planets. With Maxima poised to shift from foe to ally, the casting choice could ripple through a story set to reach French theaters on July 7, 2027.

Superman sequel casting news: four actresses vying for Maxima’s role

The next Superman film from James Gunn is already stirring conversation across fandom circles. Reportedly carrying the working title “Man of Tomorrow,” the sequel is said to expand the DC Universe with fresh cosmic stakes and a key new figure. That figure is Maxima, the formidable queen of Almerac. Her arrival suggests a more pivotal, character-driven clash that reaches far beyond Metropolis.

A new chapter in Superman’s saga

Gunn’s follow-up aims to build on his grounded, hopeful take on the Man of Steel while widening the canvas. Maxima stands out as a character whose power, pride, and political gravity reshape the room she walks into. In addition to superhuman might, she brings royal ambition and a complicated interest in Superman, which could test his ideals in unexpected ways.

Who will play Maxima? The race narrows

The shortlist is set after recent screen tests in Atlanta. According to trade chatter, four actresses auditioned for the crown:

Adria Arjona
Eva De Dominici
Sydney Chandler
Grace Van Patten

Gunn’s choice matters because the role demands a nuanced gear shift, from imperious antagonist to unlikely ally. The right performer must sell regal authority, physical presence, and a sharp romantic spark without tipping into camp.

‘Superman’ Sequel Testing Adria Arjona, Eva De Dominici, Sydney Chandler and Grace Van Patten (Exclusive) https://t.co/8ueLnLFQXr

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 8, 2026

Maxima’s role and her connection to Superman

In the comics, Maxima seeks an equal worthy of ruling beside her, and she views Superman as exactly that. Their dynamic walks a tightrope: flirtation meets philosophy, and duty meets desire. She has toggled between foe and friend, which enriches her arc. Fans have seen her before on TV (she briefly appeared in Supergirl), but the big screen offers a larger canvas.

Villains and a galaxy-spanning threat

Alongside Maxima’s arrival, the sequel is expected to feature a major adversary: Brainiac. The city-collecting mastermind is reportedly played by Lars Eidinger, a choice that points to a cool, clinical menace. With Lex Luthor returning via Nicholas Hoult, intellectual warfare could collide with a galaxy-spanning crisis. David Corenswet is set to suit up again as Superman, anchoring a confident ensemble.

When can we expect it?

The release date is TBA in the US. Still, steady production whispers and those Atlanta tests hint that momentum is real. Warner Bros. remains tight-lipped on timing, but casting Maxima may signal a new phase. All eyes turn to Gunn’s final call, a decision poised to shape the sequel’s heart and its biggest, boldest swings.