A New Vision for the DC Universe
James Gunn is redefining the DC Universe with a bold and emotionally rich approach, and nowhere is this more evident than in his portrayal of Supergirl. The character, played by Milly Alcock, who gained fame for her role in House of the Dragon, made her cinematic debut in the latest Superman film. Her entrance into the story was anything but conventional—drunk and searching for her dog Krypto at the Fortress of Solitude, she immediately shattered expectations. This wasn’t the polished, morally centered version of Kara Zor-El seen in the TV series Supergirl or the quiet, tragic survivor from the comics. Instead, this was a deeply flawed and emotionally complex character.
Why Supergirl Is So Different From Superman
In an interview with ScreenRant, James Gunn didn’t shy away from describing Kara as “a mess.” He emphasized that this isn’t a weakness but rather a foundation for her story. Unlike Kal-El, who was sent to Earth as a baby and raised by the kind and loving Jonathan and Martha Kent, Kara’s journey has been far more difficult. She remembers Krypton, its collapse, and the cruelty and hierarchy that defined it. These experiences have shaped her in ways that are far more profound than they ever did for Kal.
Her trauma is fresh and unresolved, and when she arrives on Earth, she isn’t ready to become a symbol of hope. Instead, she’s still searching for her own sense of purpose. This more abrasive and emotionally volatile version of Kara Zor-El contrasts sharply with the optimistic and clear-headed Superman portrayed by David Corenswet. Their dynamic, even in a brief scene together, hints at a lot of potential. One represents the hero we aspire to be, while the other embodies the struggles of someone who hasn’t had an easy life.
A Solo Film for Supergirl
Gunn has confirmed that Milly Alcock’s Supergirl will star in her own solo film titled Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set for release in 2026. However, he also hinted that this version of Kara might be even more challenging than the one seen in the comics. This suggests that audiences can expect a deeply personal and emotionally intense story that delves into her past and her struggles.
Why Supergirl Didn’t Warn Superman
One of the biggest questions among DCU fans is why Supergirl didn’t warn Superman about his parents’ true intentions. In the film, there’s no moment where she reveals that Jor-El and Lara sent Kal-El not to protect the planet, but to rule it. Many expected her to provide clarity or a warning, given her time on Krypton.
In a Rolling Stone interview, Gunn explained that this choice was intentional. He pointed out that Kara is younger than Superman and wouldn’t have known much about his parents. “You’re assuming that everybody on Krypton is the same!” he said. “How would she know? She wouldn’t know anything about his parents.”
This decision reinforces that Kara isn’t just a narrative device to explain Clark’s story. She’s living her own, dealing with her own pain and confusion. And there won’t be any hidden twist or redemption arc for Jor-El and Lara. As Gunn put it, “They’re s–t out of luck!” The harsh truth about Superman’s origins is meant to challenge him, and it won’t be undone for comfort.
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