Kara Zor-El made a charming entrance at a recent event in New York City, stepping onto a small stage in a hotel basement, where actress Milly Alcock embodied the character for the eagerly anticipated film, Supergirl. With a blend of amusement and surprise, Alcock exclaimed, “It’s gonna happen. Shit,” reflecting the long and tumultuous journey Supergirl has taken toward the big screen.
Originally in development since 2018, Supergirl faced numerous setbacks, including pandemic delays in 2020 and being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav in 2022. However, under the guidance of James Gunn, who is revamping the DC Extended Universe, the film has been reshaped and is now set for theatrical release on June 26, 2026.
The film’s journey is noteworthy, especially considering that the role of Supergirl was initially assigned to Sasha Calle, who made an appearance in 2023’s The Flash. With Alcock and director Craig Gillespie at the helm, audiences can now look forward to a fresh take on the character. A teaser trailer unveiled at the event hinted at a new narrative direction where Kara Zor-El, portrayed as a universe-hopping party girl in her early 20s, becomes embroiled in intergalactic conflicts following a rather solitary and self-indulgent birthday.
Ana Nogueira’s script, influenced by the comic miniseries Supergirl: Women of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, dives deep into the character’s complexities. Gillespie emphasized that Supergirl’s story is rooted in anti-hero themes, which starkly contrasts with the more perfect personas associated with many female superheroes. He pointed out that Supergirl comes with significant personal struggles, saying, “She’s got a lot of demons, a lot of baggage coming into this,” further adding that this realism is a departure from the idealistic portrayals often reserved for male superheroes.
Audience members at the New York event experienced a lively atmosphere, reminiscent of Comic-Con festivities, despite the looming upheaval surrounding Warner Bros. The backdrop of potential corporate turmoil—a planned sale to Netflix and a hostile takeover bid from Paramount’s owner—created a surreal contrast to the celebration of Supergirl’s impending debut. With any acquisition unlikely to affect the film before early 2027, the production remains secure as it gears up for release.
Gunn expressed optimism about the future of the franchise, asserting that they are in a far better position now than in previous months. Safran echoed this sentiment, recognizing the encouraging trajectory of upcoming projects and the journey Supergirl has finally embarked upon.
This new interpretation of Supergirl represents hope and evolution within the superhero genre, challenging conventional narratives while aiming to resonate with audiences through its relatable and flawed protagonist. Audiences can anticipate an engaging story that pushes boundaries; as Supergirl takes flight, it serves as a testament to the resilience of creativity amidst adversity.