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(SeaPRwire) –   The highly anticipated sequel Man of Tomorrow is set to arrive in theaters next year, featuring Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) entering an unlikely partnership with Superman (David Corenswet) to combat the malevolent intellect Brainiac (Lars Eidinger). However, what other antagonists might be involved? Recent casting buzz implies that James Gunn is searching for an actress to embody the DC anti-hero Maxima, an alien monarch driven by a desire for conquest.

While several prominent stars have been tied to this role, Gunn has refuted certain reports. Initially, he clarified that Marisa Abela, Adria Arjona, and Ella Purnell are not auditioning for the enigmatic part, despite Deadline linking them to Man of Tomorrow. Furthermore, Gunn has not officially verified that the new character is Maxima. This begs the question: what is the actual situation? Moreover, for devoted Superman followers, is Maxima truly the role we are hoping for in Man of Tomorrow?

Although Maxima is a fascinating character who has yet to appear on the big screen, it could be even more compelling if Man of Tomorrow introduces a reimagined version of the sinister Kryptonian Ursa. Furthermore, the actresses currently rumored for the film would be perfect casting choices for Ursa.

On April 9, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit and Aaron Couch stated that Eva De Dominici, Sydney Chandler, Grace Van Patten, and potentially Adria Arjona are all testing for the unspecified Man of Tomorrow role. While it is easy to envision any of these actors as Maxima, it is equally plausible that each would excel as Ursa.

Ursa originated in 1978’s Superman: The Movie and played a significantly larger role in Superman II in 1981. Portrayed by Sarah Douglas, Ursa is the brutal associate of General Zod (Terence Stamp); alongside Non (Jack O’Halloran), she was imprisoned in the Phantom Zone by Jor-El (Marlon Brando). Ursa was not incorporated into the Superman comics until 2007, debuting in the “Last Son” storyline, which was overseen by Geoff Johns and Superman director Richard Donner. It is worth noting that a character named Faora, who appeared in 1977, shared similarities with Ursa as a wicked Kryptonian who also escaped the Phantom Zone.

This century has seen several on-screen iterations of Ursa’s comrade, General Zod, including Michael Shannon in Man of Steel (2013) and Colin Salmon as a time-traveling Zod in the TV series Krypton (2018). However, we have not seen a live-action Ursa since 1981, even though Douglas appeared in the live-action Supergirl series in 2018 as a different villainous Kryptonian named Jindah Kol Roz. Perhaps it is time for a Ursa (or Faora) reboot in Man of Tomorrow. Gunn does not need to resurrect General Zod from the Phantom Zone once more, but a revamped Ursa could provide an entertaining twist.

Superman II remains a classic today. One reason for its enduring success is Superman’s struggle against other Kryptonians, with Ursa being a primary source of that intense conflict. The sing-song taunt Douglas uses when saying “Superman” is unforgettable. This character is arguably intriguing because she is both iconic and somewhat underdeveloped and underrated. Looking at vintage photos of Douglas in the role, any of the actresses rumored to join Man of Tomorrow would be excellent for a new Ursa, particularly Alien: Earth’s Sydney Chandler.

No matter which direction Gunn chooses for Man of Tomorrow, Ursa’s villainy will endure in the hearts of Superman fans worldwide. Hopefully, we will see her return very soon.

Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027.