After more than four decades, Kara Zor-El is returning to theaters, hoping to rewrite the history books and finally erase the memory of her disastrous debut in 1984. The new DC Universe film, simply titled Supergirl, arrives in U.S. theaters this Friday, June 26, marking the character's first standalone feature since the original film flopped with both critics and audiences .
The 1984 Supergirl movie, a spin-off of the Superman series, was a critical and commercial failure that left a lasting stain on the character. For years, Hollywood viewed that box office disappointment as proof that female-led superhero films could not succeed, a narrative that the new DC Studios hopes to definitively shatter . The new film is not merely a sequel or a reboot; it is an ambitious attempt to reposition Supergirl as a cornerstone of a revitalized cinematic universe, moving her out of Superman’s shadow and establishing her as a compelling figure in her own right .
This new installment is directed by Craig Gillespie, known for his work on the critically acclaimed films I, Tonya and Cruella, which both featured complex, unconventional female protagonists . Stepping into the iconic red boots is Australian actress Milly Alcock, who gained international fame for her role as a young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon . Alcock's portrayal is expected to be a departure from the traditionally optimistic take on the character. Early glimpses suggest a more hardened, rebellious, and punk-rock antihero, a stark contrast to her famous cousin .
Audiences were first introduced to this new iteration of Supergirl in James Gunn’s Superman in 2025, where she appeared in a brief but memorable cameo. The scene, which featured her cursing and suggesting she uses red suns to get drunk, was a hit and effectively signaled the fresh, edgy direction DC was taking with the character . That brief appearance was enough to generate significant buzz and set high expectations for her solo outing.
The new Supergirl film is based on the acclaimed comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, a space-faring western that sees Kara embark on a quest of vengeance and justice . The plot follows Kara as she traverses the galaxy, teaming up with a young girl named Ruthye, whose father was murdered, and the unpredictable bounty hunter Lobo . This storyline allows for a much darker and emotionally complex exploration of the character compared to previous adaptations.
A major draw for fans is the live-action debut of the fan-favorite character Lobo, played by Jason Momoa. Momoa, who previously starred as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, brings his signature charisma to the role of the intergalactic mercenary. Director Craig Gillespie has stated that the character will be as faithful to the comics as possible, which has only heightened anticipation among fans . The film also features a supporting cast including Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, and David Corenswet, who returns as Superman.
The early reviews for Supergirl have been mixed, with the film currently holding a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but there is widespread praise for Alcock's performance and the film's ambitious visual style . Some critics have described it as a thrilling space opera, with many noting its unique tone that blends the gritty realism of Mad Max: Fury Road with the cosmic adventure of Guardians of the Galaxy . However, some have been less enthusiastic about its action sequences . Regardless, the film’s success is critical not just for the character of Supergirl but for the future of the entire DC Universe. DC Studios co-head Peter Safran has emphasized the importance of winning back fan trust after a string of underperforming films .
The long-term health of the new DC Universe may hinge on whether Supergirl can connect with audiences and prove that the character can anchor a major franchise. The film’s performance will likely dictate not only the character's future but also the viability of other non-traditional superhero projects. As the DCU enters its "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" phase, the success of Supergirl is seen as a pivotal test for the studio’s new creative vision . Four decades after her first journey to the big screen ended in disappointment, Supergirl is finally getting a second chance to become the hero the world needs.
