DC has introduced two very different portrayals of Supergirl within just three years, highlighting the stark contrasts between Sasha Calle and Milly Alcock’s interpretations. These portrayals, though centered on the same comic book character, showcase distinct differences that are reflecting a broader shift in the DC universe’s tone and creative direction, often referred to as James Gunn Supergirl Differences.
Sasha Calle debuted as Superman’s cousin in the 2023 DCEU film The Flash, which featured Ezra Miller as the Flash and Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman. Conversely, Milly Alcock is set to star in a solo Supergirl film scheduled for 2026 under James Gunn’s DCU, after appearing briefly in a 2025 cameo in the new Superman movie. This evolution signals a departure from the DCEU’s style toward a new vision spearheaded by Gunn and Peter Safran.
Distinctive Traits Between DCU and DCEU Supergirls
The differences between the DCU and DCEU versions of Supergirl extend beyond casting, involving personality, backstory, and appearance to reflect the evolving narrative approach embraced by DC Studios.
Divergence in Supergirl’s Character and Persona
Sasha Calle’s Supergirl in the DCEU was portrayed as a formidable warrior with limited dialogue, often focused on combat scenes in The Flash. Her demeanor was quiet and determined, mirroring Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman. She embodied a steadfast commitment to justice and carried a serious tone throughout her short screen time.
On the other hand, Milly Alcock’s version of Supergirl embraces a more layered and humanized persona. Alcock described her version as “incredibly flawed” and “messy” during a press conference, drawing parallels with the complexity of the MCU’s Tony Stark. Unlike the stoic DCEU iteration, Alcock’s character uses humor and a carefree, sometimes reckless attitude—evident from her first DCU appearance in the 2025 Superman where she shows up drunk and disheveled, highlighting her coping mechanisms for past trauma.
James Gunn’s direction clearly aims to explore Supergirl’s vulnerabilities and imperfections, creating a relatable and multidimensional hero who balances her powers with personal struggles. This shift starkly contrasts with the more traditional, resolute portrait in the DCEU.
Supergirl’s Origins Reimagined for the DCU
While both versions agree on Kara Zor-El’s connection as Superman’s cousin, the details of her backstory have been notably altered between the two universes. In the DCEU, Kara left Krypton around the same time as Kal-El, sent by her parents to care for him, which meant she was spared from directly witnessing Krypton’s destruction.
In contrast, the DCU’s Supergirl, as played by Alcock, endures a more direct and haunting link to Krypton’s fate. According to trailers, she experiences the planet’s collapse firsthand, emphasizing a more intimate and painful trauma:
Krypton didn’t die in a day. The gods are not that kind.
This interpretation likely draws from comic lore involving Argo City, a Kryptonian city-state that survived the planet’s destruction via a protective dome but faced inevitable demise due to radiation poisoning. Kara’s parents, Zor-El and Allura, managed to send her away to Earth in a rocket shortly after her cousin departed, deepening her connection to Krypton’s legacy and loss. Unlike Calle’s Supergirl, whose trauma stems from human captivity, Alcock’s character’s motivations appear deeply intertwined with Krypton’s downfall.
Costume Designs Reflecting Different Eras and Visions
Costume choices further underscore the differences between the two portrayals. Calle’s Supergirl costume in the DCEU mirrored Henry Cavill’s Superman suit with a modern metallic blue-and-red design but omitted the traditional red skirt from the comics. This design choice paralleled Cavill’s costume, which also skipped the classic red trunks.
However, James Gunn reinstated these traditional comic elements in the DCU. Alcock’s Supergirl wears the classic red skirt and boots, along with the signature blonde hairstyle familiar from the comics. Likewise, David Corenswet’s Superman sports the iconic red underwear in line with comic tradition. This wardrobe approach emphasizes a closer adherence to the source material during Gunn’s reboot while maintaining a mirrored aesthetic between Superman and Supergirl.
Implications of the New Supergirl on the Future of DCU
James Gunn’s reimagining of Supergirl marks a significant tonal and narrative shift for the DC Universe, signaling a move away from the darker, more stoic SnyderVerse that previously defined the DCEU. Alcock’s version is positioned as a central figure in this new era, promising a complex character who brings depth, humor, and emotional vulnerability to the superhero genre.
With a solo film on the horizon and her cameo already stirring interest, this iteration of Supergirl is expected to expand the DCU’s appeal by offering a fresh, nuanced take that reflects contemporary storytelling values while honoring comic traditions. The explicit focus on Kara’s trauma linked directly to Krypton’s destruction will likely deepen audience engagement and provide new storytelling avenues that explore themes of identity, loss, and resilience.
