James Gunn’s Supergirl (2026) brings a darker, cosmic version of Kara Zor-El to the DCU. Here’s everything we know about the story, cast, worlds, and themes.
With Superman and the second season of Peacemaker already laying the foundation for James Gunn’s rebooted DC Cinematic Universe — newly branded as the DCU — the next major step arrives in July with a bold and unexpected reinvention of Supergirl. While Creature Commandos expands the animated side of this universe, Supergirl marks the first truly cosmic journey in Gunn’s opening chapter, introducing audiences to a very different version of Kara Zor-El than the one they may know from past films, television, or comics.
The 2026 movie isn’t just another superhero origin story. Instead, it dives into the darker emotional terrain of a character shaped by trauma, loss, and the weight of expectations she never asked to carry. And with Milly Alcock donning the cape, the DCU is clearly prepared to embrace a Supergirl who is powerful, complex, and far less carefree than earlier adaptations.
A Character With History — and a Chance at Reinvention
Supergirl has appeared on screen before, but not with overwhelming success. The 1984 film starring Helen Slater quickly faded from theaters, though Slater later won fans over by playing Eliza Danvers on The CW’s Supergirl series. That show, led by Melissa Benoist, proved the character could thrive in a shared superhero environment alongside The Flash, Green Arrow, and the Legends of Tomorrow.
But Gunn made it clear from day one: his Supergirl would be drastically different from the sunny, optimistic versions audiences are used to. Instead of leaning into a cheerful cousin-of-Superman dynamic, the new film adapts Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the acclaimed 2021 graphic novel by Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes. The source material is a raw, emotional, and cosmic adventure that gives Kara a fresh identity — one defined not by Earth, but by the wider universe.
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A Cosmic Quest with Moral Weight
The story begins far from Earth. Kara, now 23 years old, is celebrating her birthday off-world with Krypto, the beloved superdog, on a planet with a red sun — one of the few places where she can drink and feel somewhat mortal again. Her quiet celebration is interrupted when a determined young alien named Ruthye Marye Knoll approaches her with a heartbreaking request: help avenge her father, who was murdered by a man named Krem of the Yellow Hills.
At first, Kara wants nothing to do with it. But after a confrontation with Krem becomes personal, she and Ruthye embark on a dangerous interstellar pursuit across hostile worlds, violent societies, and morally ambiguous encounters.
The core of the narrative isn’t just physical combat — it’s about vengeance, justice, and whether Kara can reconcile the horrors she has endured with the person she wants to become.
Milly Alcock’s Supergirl: A Survivor First, a Hero Second
Alcock’s casting was met with enthusiasm, especially after her praised performance as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon. She briefly appeared in Superman in a cameo that hinted at her tone — hungover, frustrated, and searching for Krypto — suggesting the movie would embrace the weary, world-torn version of Kara seen in the graphic novel.
Unlike Clark Kent, Kara remembers Krypton. She remembers the culture, the family, the sky, the beauty — and the terror. She doesn’t just mourn her planet; she’s haunted by the years she spent expecting to raise baby Kal-El, only to arrive on Earth long after he had already become Superman.
It’s no wonder she feels disconnected from the planet her cousin now calls home. As she says in the teaser, Clark “sees the good in people,” while she sees “the truth.” It’s a powerful distinction, one that positions her as a hero shaped not by idealism but by scars.
A Widening DC Universe Through Kara’s Eyes
If the film follows the structure of Woman of Tomorrow, moviegoers can expect a sweeping sci-fi epic that explores multiple planets and alien cultures. The comic visits at least six worlds, though the film may use this structure to introduce key DCU cosmic locations such as:
- Tamaran (home of Starfire)
- Cairn
- Khundia
- Daxam
Though fans might hope for Apokolips or New Genesis, the teaser seems more focused on a grimy, decaying world — possibly the setting where Kara meets Ruthye.
We also get glimpses of Argo City, which in the DCU apparently survives Krypton’s destruction by lifting away into space. That doesn’t mean its people are safe, however; Kara’s comments about her world not dying “in a day” suggest a harrowing fate ahead.
Even the mysterious spacebus seen in the teaser seems primed for a narrative payoff.
A Powerful Supporting Cast and a Villain With Depth
The film features a compelling roster of characters anchored by three crucial roles:
Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem
Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts plays Krem, a villain whose motives are complex and morally layered. His physical presence and emotional range — shown in films like Rust and Bone and The Danish Girl — make him an unexpected but intriguing antagonist.
Eve Ridley as Ruthye
Eve Ridley portrays Ruthye Marye Knoll, who serves as the narrator in the comic and could become the heart of the film. Her journey from vengeance-driven youth to maturity is one of the story’s most compelling emotional arcs.
Jason Momoa as Lobo
Jason Momoa’s cameo as Lobo is already generating buzz. Momoa has long expressed interest in playing the intergalactic bounty hunter, and Gunn’s DCU gives him the perfect opportunity. Whether Kara and Ruthye cross his path or visit his doomed homeworld Czarnia, Lobo’s presence hints at a wild cosmic future for the DCU.
Other cast members include Emily Beecham and David Krumholtz as Alura and Zor-El, along with Ferdinand Kingsley as Ruthye’s father. Their inclusion suggests emotional flashbacks and major character-building moments.
Behind the Camera: A Director Poised to Deliver Grit and Humanity
Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie, known for stylish, character-driven films like I, Tonya and Cruella. His ability to balance dark humor, emotional depth, and high-energy storytelling makes him an ideal choice for a movie rooted in trauma, resilience, and cosmic chaos.
Writer Ann Nogueira, who was previously developing a Supergirl film under the old DC Extended Universe, remained aboard to adapt the new Gunn-approved storyline.
Producers James Gunn and Peter Safran oversee the project, with a strong behind-the-scenes team including:
- Rob Hardy, cinematographer (Annihilation, Civil War)
- Tatiana S. Riegel, editor (Cruella, I, Tonya)
- Neil Lamont, production designer (Rogue One)
- Anna B. Sheppard, costume designer (Spider-Man: Far From Home)
Filming began in early 2025 in London with additional locations in Scotland, wrapping in the summer.
A New Supergirl for a New DCU
Supergirl arrives in theaters on July 26, 2025, roughly one year after Superman. Though it’s unclear whether a sequel is planned, early fan reception suggests Kara may become one of the DCU’s breakout stars.
Her journey is emotional. Her past is painful. Her worldview is sharp and unfiltered. And for the first time on screen, audiences will see Supergirl not as a cheerful sidekick but as a young woman fighting her way toward purpose — across galaxies, grief, and moral gray areas.
In many universes, she becomes friends with Batgirl. In the DCU, she may have to first become friends with herself.
One thing is certain: this Supergirl isn’t just soaring — she’s rewriting what it means to be a hero.
