Eva De Dominici Among Finalists to Play Maxima in Superman: Man of Tomorrow

The Race to Cast Maxima in the DC Universe

The upcoming DC Universe film Superman: Man of Tomorrow, directed by James Gunn, continues to generate significant buzz—not only for its central storyline but also for the potential supporting characters joining the cast. One name that has captured fan attention is Maxima, an alien queen with superhuman abilities who could play a pivotal role as a secondary antagonist or even a romantic interest for the Man of Steel. According to recent reports from The Hollywood Reporter, four actresses are now in final contention for the role: Argentine star Eva De Dominici, Adria Arjona, Sydney Chandler, and Grace Van Patten.

Casting Sessions in Atlanta and Rumors of a Cover-Up

Speculation intensified after it was revealed that all four actresses recently traveled to Atlanta to audition under the direct supervision of James Gunn, who is currently deep in pre-production for the film. While the outlet confirms these auditions are specifically for the role of Maxima, some theories suggest they may be a smokescreen to conceal the real objective: casting the new Wonder Woman. This theory isn’t far-fetched, as Gunn has a well-documented history of tightly guarding project details, as seen with The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. If true, the Maxima casting could be a strategic move to divert attention from more central roles being considered.

Conflicting Reports and Recent Denials

Rumors about the casting of Man of Tomorrow have been inconsistent. Just days ago, Deadline reported that Ella Purnell, Adria Arjona, and Marisa Abela had auditioned for roles in the film. However, James Gunn himself quickly dismissed those claims, stating they were inaccurate. This contradiction between major entertainment outlets highlights the high level of secrecy surrounding the casting process and the difficulty of verifying information at this stage. The emergence of Eva De Dominici on the current shortlist—absent from earlier reports—adds a fresh layer of intrigue, particularly for audiences in Latin America and Argentina.

Who Is Maxima in the Comics?

Maxima is a complex figure within DC Comics lore. She first appeared in Action Comics #645 in 1989, created by writer Roger Stern and artist George Pérez. Hailing from the planet Almerac, Maxima is a warrior queen with telekinetic powers, super strength, and a strong belief in the genetic superiority of her race. In the comics, her arrival on Earth was driven by her search for a worthy mate—and Superman quickly became her top candidate. Over the years, Maxima has oscillated between being a villain, an occasional ally, and a potential romantic interest for the Kryptonian hero, making her a character with rich dramatic and narrative potential for a cinematic adaptation.

TV Appearances and Live-Action Film Absence

Despite her significance in the comics, Maxima has never appeared in a live-action DC film. However, she has been portrayed on television: Charlotte Sullivan played her in Smallville, and Eve Torres Gracie (a former WWE wrestler) portrayed her in Supergirl. She has also appeared in animated series such as Justice League Unlimited. Her inclusion in Superman: Man of Tomorrow would mark her live-action film debut and could pave the way for expanded storylines in future DC Universe installments, especially as Gunn aims to build a more interconnected and character-driven universe.

Meet the Finalist Actresses

Eva De Dominici, born in Buenos Aires, rose to fame in Argentina through popular youth series like Patito Feo and Chiquititas. In recent years, she has built an international career with roles in the Fox drama series The Cleaning Lady, films such as Homo Argentum and Under the Stars, and an upcoming comedy titled Balls Up, directed by Peter Farrelly for Amazon MGM Studios. Adria Arjona is best known for her role in the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor, as well as films like Hit Man, Morbius, and The Belko Experiment, the latter produced by James Gunn. Sydney Chandler, daughter of actor Christian Slater, gained prominence as the lead in the upcoming FX series Alien: Earth, following roles in Don’t Worry Darling and Apple TV’s Sugar. Grace Van Patten has stood out in projects like Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories and the series Reprisal. Each brings a distinct presence that could align with the strength, charisma, and regal intensity required for Maxima.