‘Man of Tomorrow’ Star Adria Arjona Is a Strong Contender for DCU’s Wonder Woman After ‘Onslaught’ Press

Adria Arjona has spent recent years quietly crafting an intriguing resume in Hollywood, seamlessly transitioning between prestige television, sharp comedy, and award-nominated dramas without fully diving into the action genre. This versatility has made her a favorite among critics, while fans have eagerly awaited her chance to lead a more action-oriented project.

That wait is finally over this fall. Arjona’s performance in ‘Hit Man’ alongside Glen Powell and her acclaimed role in ‘Andor’ have showcased her ability to captivate audiences across various genres, but until now, she hasn’t taken the spotlight as a true action lead.

This changes with ‘Onslaught,’ as recent promotional images of Arjona have sparked excitement online. This film marks her first leading role in a straightforward action movie, placing her at the forefront of director Adam Wingard’s latest genre venture for A24.

In ‘Onslaught,’ Arjona portrays a former Army sniper turned single mother living in a desert trailer park, who is forced back into combat mode when a rogue squad of genetically engineered super soldiers escapes from a nearby military facility and threatens her daughter’s safety. Wingard, known for ‘You’re Next’ and the recent ‘Godzilla’ crossover films, returns to original genre storytelling with longtime collaborator Simon Barrett, who co-wrote the screenplay.

The reunion of Wingard and Barrett is significant for longtime fans, as they previously collaborated on the cult classic ‘The Guest’ in 2014. During the film’s Comic Con panel, this connection was highlighted, confirming that co-star Rebecca Hall will portray the film’s main antagonist, a character linked to the covert military experiments that drove the plot of their earlier work.

When asked if ‘Onslaught’ serves as a direct sequel to ‘The Guest,’ Hall provided a nuanced response, distinguishing between the two while acknowledging genuine connections. This ambiguity has heightened anticipation among fans who have followed Wingard’s career since his early cult successes.

Further supporting the shared universe concept is the return of Dan Stevens, who starred in ‘The Guest’ as a mysterious former soldier with a dangerous secret. Stevens joins Arjona in this loosely connected narrative, reinforcing the idea that Wingard is intentionally weaving connections throughout his filmography rather than starting anew with each project.

The film’s cast also features UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira as the villainous Butcher, alongside Michael Biehn, Drew Starkey, Eric Wareheim, and Reginald VelJohnson, contributing to what has been described as a gonzo action horror thriller centered on a showdown against an engineered military threat in a desert setting. Filming took place in New Mexico, providing the film with a distinct sun-scorched, isolated atmosphere.

Early trailers have hinted at plenty of chaos, showcasing Arjona revving a chainsaw while confronting Pereira’s towering antagonist. The footage has drawn comparisons to Wingard’s earlier action horror projects, suggesting that ‘Onslaught’ will embrace the same gonzo energy that made ‘You’re Next’ a breakout success.

With Arjona’s shift into full-scale action filmmaking generating significant buzz ahead of its release, ‘Onslaught’ is set to be one of the most talked-about genre films of the fall season. Given its connections to Wingard’s earlier cult classic, devoted fans have every reason to stay tuned as more promotional content is unveiled.

‘Onslaught’ hits theaters on September 4.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!