James Gunn on Supergirl adaptation reveals that the highly anticipated DC Universe film will take creative liberties, much like his previous work with Guardians of the Galaxy. The film, starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, is expected to retain core elements of Tom King’s 2022 comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, while also exploring fresh directions when it hits theaters in June 2026.
Inspiration and Deviations from the Comic Source
Gunn, who oversees DC Studios, discussed how the upcoming movie pays homage to its inspiration without following it strictly.
“I think it’s a space fantasy, which is like Guardians in a way, but it’s based on the Tom King book, but it doesn’t follow it religiously, but it has a lot of the core of that there.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios Head.
The filmmaker emphasized the creative freedom taken with the storyline.
“We’re not adapting Woman of Tomorrow religiously. We’re taking elements of it […] The tone and the general approach and the structure are inspired by it, but we are not telling that story.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios Head.
This approach mirrors Gunn’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy, which took liberties with Marvel comic storylines while striving to preserve their essence. Gunn expressed excitement for audiences to see the new vision for Supergirl and highlighted Milly Alcock’s take on the legendary Kryptonian hero.
First Look: Supergirl’s Darker, Edgier Tone and New Characters
The debut trailer for Supergirl introduced viewers to a more complex Kara Zor-El. Injured and disillusioned, Alcock’s Supergirl drifts through space, facing trauma from Krypton’s destruction as she marks her 23rd birthday. Kara’s journey leads her to Ruthye, played by Eve Ridley, whose thirst for vengeance pulls Supergirl into a collision with enemies like Lobo, portrayed by Jason Momoa. Brutal battles, broken worlds, and a focus on revenge set a grittier mood for the film, marking a significant shift from previous DC interpretations.
The film also features Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, Emily Beecham as Alura, and David Krumholtz as Zor-El. These new faces, together with Kara, embark on an interstellar mission that blurs traditional lines between heroism and retribution. The official synopsis highlights this new journey:
“When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.”
— Official Movie Synopsis.
Supergirl as an Anti-Hero: Creators on Breaking the Mold
Director Craig Gillespie has spoken about the film’s unique perspective, describing it as a departure from classic hero narratives.
“She’s got a lot of demons, a lot of baggage coming into this, which is very different from where Superman is in his life.”
— Craig Gillespie, Director.
Gunn reinforced the idea that this Supergirl will not fit the mold of flawless female superheroes, noting,
“So many times female superheroes are so perfect. She’s not that at all … Like male superheroes have been allowed to be for a while.”
— James Gunn, Peacemaker Creator.
This candid portrayal aims to give Supergirl more depth and relatability, presenting a heroine who struggles and evolves. The film’s creators believe this approach will resonate with audiences looking for nuanced characters who reflect real imperfections, similar to how Gunn reshaped Guardians of the Galaxy by embracing their flaws.
What the Future Holds for the DC Universe
With Gunn and Gillespie’s vision, Supergirl’s upcoming film signals a shift toward more complex, layered storytelling in the DCU. Incorporating figures like Lobo, Ruthye, and Kara’s family shows a willingness to push boundaries and challenge traditional expectations. As the release date approaches, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how James Gunn on Supergirl adaptation will influence future DC projects and redefine what it means to be a superhero film.
