‘Supergirl’: Everything We Know About the DCU's Take on the Girl of Steel

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Jul 12

Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

'Supergirl' lead Milly Alcock reading 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'. **Milly Alcock/Instagram**

The heroine returns in a cosmic tale of revenge and identity. Milly Alcock leads the DCU’s next bold chapter.

The all-new DC Universe (DCU) is soaring to new heights with James Gunn’s Superman leading the charge. But while Kal-El has reclaimed his iconic status, it’s Kara Zor-El’s time to shine. With Supergirl (2026), DC Studios is taking a bold creative risk—recasting the Girl of Steel as a hardened, emotionally complex warrior who has weathered profound trauma and loss. Her appearance in Superman turned heads, but her upcoming solo film promises something deeper: a galactic odyssey grounded in pain, purpose, and reluctant heroism.

Here’s what we know:

Directed by Craig Gillespie and based on Tom King’s acclaimed comic Woman of Tomorrow, this adaptation promises to upend everything audiences think they know about Supergirl. With an edgier tone, cosmic landscapes, and the addition of Jason Momoa’s Lobo, this is not your typical cape-and-spandex story. Warning: This article contains spoilers for Superman (2025).

What is Supergirl about?

'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'. **DC Comics**

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is based on the eight-issue comic book by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. This new cinematic version will follow a hardened Kara Zor-El, a Kryptonian survivor who watched her world die before ever arriving on Earth. Unlike Kal-El—raised with love from infancy—Kara was raised on a fragment of Krypton and is emotionally scarred by her past.

Feeling unmoored and without purpose, Kara is approached by a determined young girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll, whose father was murdered. She pleads for Kara’s help in a galactic quest for justice—or revenge. Reluctantly, Kara joins Ruthye on a violent odyssey through space, alongside her loyal dog, Krypto. It’s an epic about grief, rage, and what it means to keep fighting even when everything is lost.

James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, called this iteration of Supergirl “much more hardcore” and promised a tone that veers sharply away from the traditional, optimistic portrayals. Expect interstellar landscapes, moral complexity, and emotional stakes that go beyond the typical superhero fare.

When does Supergirl come out?

'Supergirl' logo. **David Krumholtz/Instagram**

Supergirl is currently set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026, one year after Superman’s release. It will be a major benchmark in the unfolding DCU, further establishing Gunn and Peter Safran’s new creative direction for the franchise.

Who’s in the Supergirl cast?

Milly Alcock photographed on the set of 'Supergirl' on Jan. 23, 2025. **James Gunn/Instagram**

Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) brings a hardened edge to Kara Zor-El, embodying what James Gunn describes as "grace, grit, and emotional depth" for a Supergirl unlike any we've seen before. Alcock’s take on the character has already sparked fan intrigue, with her performance in Superman offering only a glimpse of what's to come.

Joining Alcock is Eve Ridley (3 Body Problem) as Ruthye Marye Knoll, the determined young warrior whose thirst for justice sets the story in motion. Matthias Schoenaerts (The Old Guard) steps into the villainous role of Krem of the Yellow Hills, a dangerous figure who becomes the target of Ruthye’s vengeance. Playing Supergirl’s Kryptonian parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, are David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham, offering a rare glimpse into Kara’s long-lost past.

Rounding out the cast is Jason Momoa as the infamous Lobo, a role he’s long expressed enthusiasm for. With dreadlocks, a cigar, and a bad attitude, Momoa’s Lobo is expected to bring a chaotic, crowd-pleasing cameo to the film. And of course, Supergirl wouldn’t be complete without Krypto, the loyal, super-powered canine who has already won over audiences.

Will David Corenswet return as Superman in Supergirl?

There’s been no official confirmation that Corenswet will reprise his role as Superman in Supergirl, but his appearance wouldn’t be a surprise. Alcock’s Kara made a brief but memorable cameo in Superman, suggesting the door is wide open for crossovers. Even a small interaction could reinforce the emotional distance between the cousins while building the DCU’s interconnected universe.

What makes Supergirl different from past versions?

Unlike previous adaptations, this Supergirl leans heavily into pathos and existential questions. Kara isn’t an eager newcomer learning Earth’s ways—she’s a traumatized survivor wrestling with her past and trying to find meaning in a universe that’s failed her.

Where Superman brings hope and light, Supergirl dives into shadow. The contrast will likely define their relationship going forward, setting the stage for deeper stories and complex character arcs.

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will Supergirl be a major fixture in Gunns New DC Universe?

It’s too soon to say. But with Woman of Tomorrow as source material and strong buzz from Alcock’s early performance, the film could easily launch more Kara-centric stories. Additional appearances in other DCU properties—especially if Lobo or Ruthye become fan favorites—are also on the table.

What should fans expect from the tone?

Think sci-fi odyssey meets character drama. Supergirl promises vast space vistas, brutal battles, and emotional depth. With a narrative rooted in loss, vengeance, and reluctant heroism, this is a coming-of-age tale wrapped in a cosmic war story.