DC’s Supergirl: Everything We Know So Far
The box office success of James Gunn’s Superman is setting the stage for the DC Universe’s next big movie: a standalone Supergirl film, soaring into cinemas by mid-2026. This marks the first female-led Supergirl movie since 1984 and represents a key chapter in DC Studios' ambitious reboot of its cinematic universe.
Unlike Superman’s origin, this new Supergirl centers on Kara Zor-El’s much darker journey. She survived on the remnants of Krypton, watching her friends and loved ones die around her. This experience fundamentally shaped who she is.
“She’s a total mess... I mean, I think as we learn, she’s had a completely different background from Superman... He’s had this wonderful upbringing… and her background was much different… she’s ended up different than her cousin,” Gunn told ScreenRant.
Gunn describes this version of Kara as grittier, post-traumatic, and emotionally raw—less about idealism and more about survival and resilience.
Speaking to Omelete, DC's co-CEO explained why Supergirl follows Superman in the DCU lineup: “I didn’t necessarily know that Supergirl would be the second movie, but [screenwriter] Ana [Nogueira] wrote an incredible script, and then we hired an incredible director. We’re going to do this movie after Superman because it’s the best option.”
Known for her breakout role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Milly Alcock brings a wild, offbeat edge to Kara. She’s carefree, impulsive, and even turns up at the Fortress of Solitude hungover, looking for her lost dog, Krypto, in her memorable cameo in the Superman movie.
“Milly is a fantastically talented young actor...she embodies Kara,” Gunn said.
ALSO READ
Exclusive: Nicholas Hoult Talks Lex Luthor, Superman, and James Gunn’s New DC Universe
Does James Gunn’s Superman Live Up to the Hype?
In her Elle cover interview, Alcock opened up about her audition experience: “During a screen test, you’re in a room with all the other women… I thought I was going to vomit! But it’s just fear! This job has been a journey of overcoming my own fear.”
Joining Alcock is a strong supporting cast. Eve Ridley plays Ruth Marye Knoll, a young alien seeking justice for her father’s death. Matthias Schoenaerts stars as Krem of the Yellow Hills, the film’s main villain, and Jason Momoa makes a fan-favorite cameo as Lobo, a cosmic bounty hunter.
The film is adapted from the comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The story follows Kara and Ruthye as they travel across distant, hostile worlds in a revenge-fueled quest. On one planet, Kara loses her powers under a red sun, forcing her to confront what makes someone a hero when strength is no longer an option.
Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) and written by Ana Nogueira, who brings heart and depth to a cosmic adventure. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in June 2026.
