Unfortunately for The Salkinds, 1984’s Supergirl failed both critically and commercially, grossing $14.3 million on a $35 million budget. Over the years, the character would be featured in various animated and live-action series, most prominently in the Arrowverse show. In 2018, Warner Bros. and DC Films planned to bring Kara Zor-El into the DCEU, hiring actress Sasha Calle. She had a prominent role in 2023’s The Flash, intended to set up a standalone movie, but that fell through. Once James Gunn and Peter Safran took over and rebooted the franchise, the new Supergirl movie changed. The studio hired Ana Nogueira to write the script and Craig Gillespie, of I, Tonya and Cruella fame, to direct. After numerous actresses auditioned, Milly Alcock ultimately won the role, and filming began in early 2025. Following its Brooklyn premiere, Supergirl made its way onto theater screens in June 2026.
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Synopsis
Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl (Milly Alcock), is traveling across the universe with her dog Krypto, celebrating her 23rd birthday. While drinking the night away, she sees young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) asking for help avenging her family’s death. Her family fell victim to space pirates called the Brigands, led by Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). Initially, Supergirl says no, but after Krem steals her ship and poisons Krypto, she reluctantly agrees to help Ruthye. During their search for the Brigands’ hideout, our heroes run into Lobo (Jason Momoa), an intergalactic bounty hunter. Kara and Ruthye also learn that the Brigands have been kidnapping young girls to bear children to maintain their group. While Ruthye is determined to get her revenge, Kara must overcome her demons and reconcile with her past. She must find the strength within to save her new friends and embrace her role as Supergirl!
Review
While 2025’s Superman was one of my favorite films of that year, Supergirl sadly misses the mark. Granted, it’s not as bad as many other reviews have said, but it’s a step down from what came before. It doesn’t help that this film cribs from so many other movies, including Mad Max: Fury Road and John Wick. There’s nothing inherently wrong with taking from other movies, but this film doesn’t add anything new to make it distinct. Apparently, James Gunn praised the script, saying it was “above and beyond anything I hoped it would be.” I’d be curious to read the script for myself because, after seeing this film, I have my doubts. On paper, some elements should work: a flawed hero overcoming past trauma, a revenge quest, and some fun action. Unfortunately, none of it comes together to create something that leaves an impact upon leaving the theater.
Milly Alcock does the best she can given the material, playing the character with vulnerability and a sense of doubt. You get the sense that she’s trying to escape her problems by drinking them away, making her a flawed hero. While she does grow as a person, she nonetheless comes off confrontational and emotionally distant, which makes her initially unlikable. By contrast, Eve Ridley shines as a young girl determined to avenge her family’s death at any cost. Channeling a bit of Hailee Steinfeld from True Grit, she has a raw intensity that makes you root for her. As always, Jason Momoa steals the show as the wildly chaotic Lobo, clearly having more fun here than in Aquaman. Unfortunately, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem gives Christopher Eccleston’s Malekith a run for his money as the worst superhero-movie villain. It’s almost remarkable how forgettable Krem is as a character.
Craig Gillespie’s direction is fine, but it lacks the fun, whimsical style James Gunn brought to The Man of Steel. While there is color, much of it looks washed out and drab, not helped by the lackluster lighting. The production design is decent, especially in some of Supergirl’s flashbacks, but many sets look reused from other movies. The visual effects look spotty, ranging from decent to somewhat rushed, though that could be due to a lower budget. Still, the movie does deliver on the fun superhero action you’d expect, but you wish there were something more. Superman worked because of the emotional depth it added to the action, something this film sorely lacks. While I didn’t love this movie, I still see potential in the DCU, and I hope things improve over time. Overall, Supergirl tries to reach similar heights, but doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Supergirl is in theaters.
Where to watch Supergirl (2026)
