James Gunn Debunks ‘Man of Tomorrow’ Casting Report

James Gunn is setting the record straight about certain casting rumors circling Man of Tomorrow.

James Gunn, who is co-leading DC Studios and directing the new Superman movie coming out in 2025, expressed his annoyance on Wednesday, April 8th, after Deadline reported that Ella Purnell (Fallout), Adria Arjona (Andor), and Marisa Abela (Highlander) were being considered for a role in the film—thought to be the character Maxima.

Gunn quickly responded to the report on Threads, firmly denying its accuracy.

James Gunn criticized a recent report by Deadline, stating it was poorly researched and inaccurate. He expressed disappointment, as he had previously considered Deadline to be a reliable source of journalism.

The filmmaker explained he would have addressed the rumors immediately if anyone had contacted him for a statement.

“If someone would have run these names by us we would have said it’s bulls–t. I’ve been friends with Adria a long time since I cast her in The Belko Experiment. I’m a fan of both Marisa and Ella but I’ve never met either of them. Crazy,” he added.

James Gunn addressed speculation about Maxima, the powerful warrior queen from the planet Almerac (who becomes an anti-hero in the comics), potentially appearing in Man of Tomorrow. Responding to a fan on Threads, Gunn stated he wasn’t confirming her inclusion and that the film only has one casting role remaining.

We do have confirmation that a few characters will be in the next movie, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 9, 2027.

News came out in December that Lars Eidinger, a German actor, will be playing Brainiac, Superman’s incredibly intelligent enemy, in the upcoming film.

Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart (also known as the Green Lantern) in the HBO Max series Lanterns, is likely to return for the upcoming Superman movie as well.

Both María Gabriela de Faría will reprise her role as The Engineer, and Nicholas Hoult will return as Lex Luthor. Superman and Lex will join forces to face an even greater threat.

Last year, James Gunn shared that the upcoming story involves Lex Luthor and Superman teaming up, at least partially, to face a far greater danger.

Every ‘Superman’ Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

11. Justice League (2017)

The movie Justice League had the potential to be a fantastic finale, tying together years of storytelling. Unfortunately, it ended up being a major disappointment and a low point for the series. Director Zack Snyder had to leave the project mid-production, and when Joss Whedon took over, the final film didn’t really reflect either of their styles. The editing felt rushed, the movie’s overall tone was inconsistent, and the villain was a forgettable, computer-generated character with no compelling reason for wanting to take over the world. Although Snyder’s original vision is now available to stream, the theatrical cut of Justice League is widely considered the worst film featuring Superman.

10. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)

While Christopher Reeve’s last outing as Superman isn’t terrible, it doesn’t quite live up to the classic films. By 1987, the franchise had been taken over by Cannon Films, who drastically cut the budget – down to just $17 million from the original’s $55 million – and the lower production value is noticeable. However, Gene Hackman delivers a reliably entertaining performance as Lex Luthor, there are some enjoyable action sequences, and Christopher Reeve gives it his all as Superman faces a new, serious threat: the danger of nuclear war.

9. Superman Returns (2006)

The scene of Superman rescuing a plane is one of the most impressive in any superhero film. However, the rest of Superman Returns feels overly focused on copying the tone and style of the original Superman movies directed by Richard Donner, despite being made much later with a completely new cast. This makes the film feel a bit like a museum piece – respectful, but lacking energy. What’s more, a potentially fascinating storyline is surprisingly revealed late in the movie, seemingly to set up a sequel that never materialized. The film could have been truly great if it had centered around that plotline.

8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

In their first on-screen meeting within the DC Extended Universe, Batman and Superman immediately start fighting. Batman holds Superman responsible for the devastation of Metropolis in the previous film, Man of Steel, and he has a valid point. The movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Henry Cavill, a strong performance from Ben Affleck as Batman, and Gal Gadot’s impressive introduction as Wonder Woman. However, the conflict between Batman and Superman becomes overly aggressive and ridiculous in Batman v Superman, sometimes feeling like a joke. The film also made the name “Martha” unintentionally funny.

7. Man of Steel (2013)

Young Clark Kent famously laments the world’s size, to which his mother replies, “Then make it small.” Director Zack Snyder could have benefited from that advice. Man of Steel is overloaded with massive threats – world-ending machines, collapsing structures, and enraged Kryptonians – leaving the film struggling to focus on its main character. Perhaps Snyder intentionally portrayed Superman not as a beacon of hope, but as an alien who might be more dangerous than helpful to humanity. Even if that was the intention, it’s certainly a different approach to the character.

6. Superman III (1983)

Most superhero movies these days are huge, universe-ending spectacles with massive special effects. That’s what makes Superman III so refreshing – it’s small-scale and deliberately silly. It often feels like a quirky, lighthearted comedy in the style of Jacques Tati, almost as if it were based on a strange issue of a local newspaper. Beyond the humor, the film also quietly criticizes unchecked capitalism, a theme Superman has faced throughout his history. And let’s be honest, you can’t easily forget a movie where Superman goes bad and immediately straightens the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to annoy a souvenir vendor. He’s a real super-villain in that moment!

5. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

This early DC Comics movie served as a test run for the popular 1950s Adventures of Superman TV show with George Reeves. While the special effects are quite bad – the villains, called “Mole Men,” are simply little people wearing black turtlenecks and bald caps – the film captures the essence of Superman’s strong moral code. It shows him defending someone vulnerable against a violent crowd, and George Reeves perfectly embodies the kind, decent heart of both Clark Kent and Superman.

4. Superman II (1980)

Everyone loves Terence Stamp and the iconic line “Kneel before Zod!” so much that they often overlook how flawed the rest of the movie is. Even the charming dynamic between Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, which worked so well in the first Superman film, feels awkward here. It’s strange because Superman spends so much time showing Lois Lane his Fortress of Solitude that he doesn’t even notice three powerful Kryptonians taking over Earth! It makes little sense, especially considering he has super-hearing. This version introduces new powers like amnesia kisses, teleportation, and shooting his emblem from his chest, making the lack of super-hearing even more noticeable. Unfortunately, neither of the available cuts of the film are very good.

3. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Though flawed, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a significant step up from the original theatrical release. The storyline is easier to follow, and the characters, especially Cyborg, are much more developed. At four hours long, it’s a bit excessive – the original was too short, but this version goes on too long. Despite its length, this cut is the best Superman film Zack Snyder has ever directed and will likely be remembered as his defining work for the studio.

2. Superman (2025)

Many fans strongly resist comparing the two Superman movies, but I’d give a slight edge to Richard Donner’s 1978 film. However, James Gunn’s Superman is remarkably strong. Nicholas Hoult delivers a fantastic performance as Lex Luthor – he’s brilliantly self-centered and easily offended. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific and Krypto, Superman’s mischievous and adorable superdog.

This new Superman features a wonderfully relatable and charming David Corenswet in the lead role, making him easy to root for. It’s a fun, exciting, and romantic film that even manages to include some thoughtful social commentary. Importantly, it raises the bar for future DC movies, which is perfect since it’s intended to be the first film in a whole new universe.

1. Superman (1978)

For me, Christopher Reeve will always be the definitive Superman and Clark Kent – I don’t think anyone will ever top him. The first Superman movie was hugely influential, and John Williams’ score is just incredible. While it’s not flawless – and no offense to Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, or anyone who mispronounces ‘Krypton’ – I honestly think the movie would be much better if it started when Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis, cutting the first 45 minutes. By 1978, most people already knew Superman’s origin story, or at least enough to follow along. But once Reeve appears, his portrayal of both the heroic Superman and the awkward Clark Kent is what really makes the movie take off – it truly lives up to the ‘up, up, and away’ feeling!

2026-04-09 22:27