Superman Sequel Rumour: Maxima to Challenge the Man of Steel

James Gunn has firmly quashed the notion that Wonder Woman will be making an appearance in the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Yet, the rumour mill has hardly slowed, with attention now shifting to a different female figure reportedly being cast for the much-anticipated follow-up. With the film scheduled to hit UK cinemas on 9 July 2027 and cameras set to roll in spring next year, enthusiasts are eager for any scrap of information about the next chapter in the DC Universe.

Initial whispers described the new character as “warrior-like” and possessing a “certain height requirement,” which led many to leap to the conclusion that Diana Prince herself would be joining the cast. Gunn, however, has indicated otherwise, hinting at a different DC heroine—one with a rather more complicated relationship with the Man of Steel.

Maxima Steps Into the Spotlight

According to recent reports, the character in question is none other than Maxima, the formidable alien warlord. If true, Maxima is set to serve as a secondary antagonist, sharing the villainous limelight with Brainiac before ultimately switching allegiances and siding with the heroes. As is often the case, there’s been no official word from the studio, so all talk remains firmly in the realm of speculation for now.

Maxima’s origins trace back to the pages of Action Comics in 1989, the creation of Roger Stern and George Pérez. As the eldest royal of the planet Almerac, she originally sought a suitable mate and, in classic comic book fashion, set her sights on Superman. Her early days saw her as a thorn in his side, but over time, she’s become something of an ally, even joining the Justice League for a spell. The New 52 reboot introduced a younger Maxima, who found herself an outcast on her home world after coming out as a lesbian, and later became a close associate of Supergirl.

Comic Book Roots and On-Screen Possibilities

Maxima’s history with Brainiac is not without precedent. In the 1992 storyline “Panic in the Sky,” she reluctantly teamed up with the notorious villain, only to turn against him and join the ranks of the Justice League. Should both Maxima and Brainiac appear in Man of Tomorrow, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the film could draw inspiration from this particular arc. The original comic saw Superman and his allies—including the Justice League—facing off against Brainiac’s threat. The cinematic version might well see the Man of Steel joined by a motley crew: the Justice Gang, Supergirl, Lobo, and perhaps even Peacemaker could all make an appearance.

Of course, all of this remains conjecture. The rumour of Maxima’s involvement only surfaced after Gunn’s pointed denial regarding Wonder Woman. As he put it,

“Scoopers are taking a stab at guessing [Wonder Woman],”

referencing the flurry of speculation that followed news of a female character being added to the cast. Now, Maxima’s name has been thrown into the mix, perhaps more fittingly given her established ties to Brainiac and the broader narrative threads at play.

Speculation and the Waiting Game

It’s worth noting that Maxima’s connection to Brainiac arguably makes her a more logical choice for the role than Wonder Woman, yet the rumour mill initially gravitated towards the more recognisable name. Whether this latest theory holds water remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to content themselves with speculation and await further word from Gunn or the studio. As ever, only time will tell which DC heroine will ultimately take her place alongside—or against—the Man of Steel.