At a DC Studios press event on December 7, 2025, James Gunn revealed that his new portrayal of Supergirl in the DCU draws significant inspiration from the flawed character of Iron Man, famously played by Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU. Gunn emphasized that Supergirl’s imperfections are essential to her character, making her more relatable and complex compared to previous versions of female superheroes.
This insight was shared during a conversation with Supergirl’s lead actress Milly Alcock and director Craig Gillespie, where the trio discussed how this incarnation of Kara Zor-El departs from the typical polished image of female heroes. Gunn highlighted how male heroes like Iron Man and Star-Lord have long been embraced for their flaws, and he believes Supergirl should be seen through the same lens.
What Makes Supergirl Comparable to Iron Man?
Milly Alcock described what Supergirl symbolizes, especially for young women following the new DCU storyline. She explained that the character represents the reality that one does not need to be perfect to find self-acceptance. Alcock said,
“I think that what Supergirl represents for young women, especially, is that you can be flawed, that you can be openly… and you don’t have to be perfect in order to come to some internal self-resolution. I think that we’re kind of thrusted upon this narrative, especially women, that you have to be perfect in every aspect of your life. And I think that Kara is someone who so beautifully leans into her flaws. And I think that’s really special.” – Milly Alcock, Actress
Gunn agreed with Alcock, pointing out how unusual it is for female superheroes to be portrayed as anything other than idealized figures. He compared Supergirl to male heroes like Tony Stark and Star-Lord, underlining how their messy, imperfect nature has contributed greatly to their appeal:
“Yeah, I agree with you. That’s really what spoke to me both in the book and on a script is that a lot of times for some reason, our female superhero leads are just so much more perfect than our male. Tony Stark and Star-Lord are such messes and yet that isn’t always the same thing for our female superhero leads and seeing somebody who was just so imperfect and such a mess, but just really a beautiful soul.” – James Gunn, Director
By referencing characters like Iron Man’s Tony Stark and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord, Gunn positioned this iteration of Supergirl alongside well-loved MCU heroes known for their nuanced struggles. These male heroes’ emotional complexity and personal flaws have helped audiences form a deeper connection, traits Gunn aims to evoke with Kara Zor-El as well.
The Personal Struggles Behind Supergirl’s Complexity
Craig Gillespie, the film’s director, added that Supergirl’s chaotic nature is grounded in her difficult past. He described her character as struggling with significant personal challenges:
“And an understandable mess of that. She’s got some serious baggage that she’s dealing with.” – Craig Gillespie, Director
This layer of vulnerability differentiates Kara from more traditional superheroes and creates a character who is not only powerful but emotionally complicated, allowing audiences to witness her growth and inner conflict.
Supergirl as a Reluctant Anti-Hero
When asked to define what sets Supergirl apart in the emerging DC Universe, Gunn and Gillespie explained that her uniqueness lies in her reluctance and imperfection. Gillespie described Kara as an anti-hero who is hesitant to embrace her role, offering a fresh take on superhero identity:
“I think it’s the fact that she’s an anti-hero. What I loved in the story is she doesn’t want the role. When we meet her, she’s, in a very hard way, running away from it and in her own space. And she gets dragged very reluctantly into the world of having to be a superhero. The way she handles that, the way that she deals with it, and the way that she finds herself through that story is really fascinating, and it’s incomplete, which I love as well.” – Craig Gillespie, Director
This portrayal contrasts sharply with Superman’s usual depiction as confident and morally certain, emphasizing a more raw and unfinished journey for Kara. Her unresolved nature makes her more human and relatable to contemporary audiences.
The Broader Impact on the DC Universe
This approach to Supergirl signals a significant shift in how female superheroes can be portrayed within the DCU, embracing imperfections instead of glossing over them. If executed effectively, this version of Supergirl could emerge as one of the most relatable and layered characters, defined not solely by her strengths but by her complexities and struggles.
By modeling Kara after the flawed heroes of the MCU, James Gunn’s vision offers hope for a richer narrative that resonates with audiences craving authenticity and emotional depth. Supergirl’s story will likely influence future character developments in the DC Universe, encouraging a move away from perfection toward a more realistic and vulnerable form of heroism.
