Deadline has amended an earlier story regarding casting for James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow after receiving backlash from the director and orchestrator of the DC Universe. On Tuesday morning, the outlet published an exclusive article from “multiple sources” claiming that Adria Arjona was screen testing for a role in the upcoming superhero film.
Superman and Lex Luthor in a Jim Lee-Created teaser image for the Superman Sequel Man of Tomorrow – X, @JamesGunn
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Gunn immediately took to social media to set the record straight. Calling Deadline’s reporting “shoddy and incorrect,” he expressed disappointment in the quality of its journalism. While Gunn has often challenged social media accounts with purported leaks, his backlash at an established trade publication is noteworthy.
A Questionable “Exclusive”
According to Deadline’s earlier report, Arjona was among several actresses being considered for the role of Maxima. Described as an “antagonist, ally and would-be love interest to Superman,” the character has appeared in comics since 1990 and on television in Smallville, Supergirl, and animated projects. Her potential inclusion in Man of Tomorrow would mark the character’s feature film debut.
Editors Note: Deadline went through its normal editorial process in the newsgathering for today’s ‘Superman’ sequel ‘Man of Tomorrow’ casting story. After a review in light of new information regarding the actors involved, the story is being updated https://t.co/mD4rxROgFY pic.twitter.com/ZHrCyBomLp
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) April 8, 2026
While Gunn’s script has been finished for some time, there has been no confirmation that Maxima will appear in the film. In the past, Gunn has suggested that Arjona would “be a great Wonder Woman.” However, he noted that fans who noticed he had followed the actress on social media were probably reading too much into it.
This time, the rumors escalated because Deadline is an authoritative voice in the industry.
Gunn Calls Out Deadline
Gunn’s response was blunt and to the point. Notably, he did not challenge the legitimacy of the rumor—though the context certainly puts that into question. Instead, he went straight to the heart of the outlet’s investigative process.
James Gunn and John Cena introduce the Red Band Trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 – YouTube, DC
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“Deadline’s reporting is shoddy & incorrect,” Gunn said on Threads. “I’ve always thought Deadline was pretty thorough in their journalism but that’s not the case here so I’m frankly disappointed. 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.”
Gunn’s pointed criticism put Deadline in the spotlight, prompting the outlet to address the dispute publicly.
Deadline Walks Back Its Certainty
In response, Deadline attached an editor’s note to the article: “Editors Note: Deadline went through its normal editorial process in the newsgathering for this story,” the outlet said. “After a review in light of new information regarding the actors involved, the story is currently being updated.”
Superman in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
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The article remains online, but it no longer carries the authority or exclusivity it once had. Beyond that, the incident could influence how audiences perceive legacy news outlets. Whether Deadline was misled by a talent agent or fell for a prank, it has a responsibility to its readers to verify information—and that trust has now been compromised.
Backlash from James Gunn highlights the delicate balance between speed, exclusivity, and accuracy in entertainment journalism. The episode serves as a reminder that even established publications must maintain rigorous fact-checking and accountability—because credibility, once questioned, is difficult to fully restore.
How do you feel about James Gunn shutting down Deadline? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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Never believe a rumour until it is officially denied.
“Calling Deadline’s reporting “shoddy and incorrect,” ”
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Gunn is lashing out, a millionaire attacking a broke journalist. This is the hallmark of a bully, a sociopath and a narc (a bit like me in the sense of being unsensitive, sometimes, lol).
As much as I despise modern shill-journalists, this is notable.
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Furthermore, why is Gunn lashing out in such rage, when he could have made light of it, and offered a friendly putting straight of the record? Is it because he’s unhappy with how things are going? If his DC Universe was not falling flat on its ugly, feminist, woke face, then would he bully a journalist?
My friends, things are not going well, not one bit.
And, such bullying could be a way to intimidate the Shill Access Media. Strike fear into their hearts if they don’t write friendly copy to his woke garbage movies.