Yesterday, we learned that DC Studios is looking to cast a new female hero in James Gunn's Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Said to be in her late 20s, the character has a height requirement—she needs to be tall—and is described as a warrior.
There's a certain Amazon who most of us have assumed will be who Gunn is planning to add to this movie (especially with a reboot on the way). However, while she's a very likely possibility, there are a few other characters we don't think should be overlooked.
In this feature, we're exploring the most likely possibilities for this mystery character based on both the details revealed and who would be a good fit for a story pitting Superman and Lex Luthor against Brainiac.
You can check out this Man of Tomorrow breakdown in full by clicking the "Next"/"View List" buttons below.
5. Big Barda
Brought up in Granny Goodness' Home for Orphaned Youth, Big Barda was groomed as the eventual leader of Darkseid's Female Fury Battalion. However, meeting Scott Free, a.k.a. Mister Miracle, changed everything for Barda, and they fled to Earth together.
James Gunn has claimed that he has no plans for Darkseid, but the villain's shadow is bound to loom large over the upcoming Mister Miracle animated series. To further increase interest in the show, it would make sense for Barda to debut in Man of Tomorrow.
Having spent so many years on Apokolips, Barda can add a unique cosmic feel to this story. Salvation's is also tied to Apokolips in the comics (it was a training ground for DeSaad's Parademons), making this hero a crucial ally to Superman if the QUC is tied to both that planet and Brainiac.
4. Maxima
An obscure character from the DC Universe who we have to believe would appeal to Gunn, Maxima was a member of the royal family on Almerac and arrived on Earth in search of a suitable mate. Superman became the object of her affections, but obviously didn't feel the same way.
Maxima has ties to Brainiac due to the villain destroying her planet. That, combined with Gunn's reveal that Superman was sent to Earth to breed a new generation of Kryptonians, could lead to this character seeking vengeance...and a mate.
This character has a pretty interesting story arc that's seen her fight alongside the Justice League and even join the Superman Revenge Squad. While she wouldn't be our first choice, there's definitely potential for Maxima in the upcoming Superman sequel.
3. Black Canary
Gunn has made no secret of the fact that he's a Green Arrow fan, and that must surely mean he's familiar with Black Canary's adventures, too. Throw in her connection to the Justice League International in the comics (the basis for the Justice Gang), and he's a good fit for this mystery role.
One of the world's most formidable martial artists, Dinah Laurel Lance is a second-generation superhero—her mother was the Golden Age Black Canary—who utilises a "Canary Cry", a sonic scream that can shatter steel.
As the Justice Gang's ranks continue to expand, Black Canary can simply appear in Man of Tomorrow like Guy Gardner and Mister Terrific did in Superman. From there, DC Studios can hopefully lay the groundwork for her to team up with Oliver Queen.
2. Mercy Graves
Like many DC Comics characters, there have been multiple versions of Mercy Graves over the years. She's been Lex Luthor's bodyguard, an Amazon in disguise, and even a metahuman cyborg. So, yeah, this is a character with heaps of potential in the DCU.
Going down the cyborg route feels a little too similar to The Engineer and Sasha Bordeaux, but Mercy being an Amazon sent to keep an eye on Luthor would be a fun direction to take the character in (alternatively, she may have broken bad, not dissimilar to Circe).
In Man of Tomorrow, we'd head down the Amazon route. However, in a major departure from the source material, we'd make it so that Mercy is revealed to be Diana Prince in disguise. She's the character we think is most likely who Gunn is seeking to cast...
1. Wonder Woman
Gunn has said a lot about wanting to give filmmakers creative freedom, but when it comes to the DCU's leads, it's clear that he plans to play a big role in the casting process. In Wonder Woman's case, you just know the Superman helmer will want to put his stamp on her first.
Supergirl writer Ana Nogueira is writing a Wonder Woman reboot, and moving on from Gal Gadot/reintroducing Diana Prince in Man of Tomorrow is actually a pretty smart move. Brainiac is also a big enough threat to warrant the Amazon entering the fray.
It would be easily done; if the villain is looking to bottle more cities for his collection, then Metropolis and Themyscira are sure to be among his top priorities on Earth. By the end of this sequel, the DCU might have two-thirds of the Trinity and the beginnings of the Justice League...