The DC Universe is gearing up for another major story with the highly anticipated Supergirl movie, set to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026. This film is part of the new DCU lineup under co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are building a shared world of heroes and villains after the 2025 Superman movie laid the foundation for this next chapter.
Unlike some earlier versions of Supergirl, the 2026 movie is shaping up to be a unique and more emotionally complex adaptation. The story follows Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, as she embarks on a journey that takes her far beyond Earth. Instead of focusing only on her life here, the film explores her time traveling across space, driven by inner struggles and past losses. This version of Supergirl is not just about heroism and action; it also delves into her personal challenges and how she deals with pain and responsibility.
Australian actress Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El, bringing the lead role to life after her brief introduction as Supergirl in Superman (2025). Alcock’s casting signals a fresh generation for the character, and she’s supported by a strong ensemble. Matthias Schoenaerts plays an antagonist named Krem of the Yellow Hills, a hardened figure with his own motivations. Eve Ridley appears as a young warrior named Ruthye Marye Knoll, whose path becomes deeply connected to Supergirl’s. Kara’s parents, Zor-El and Alura, are portrayed by David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham, providing emotional depth to her backstory. The film also brings in fan-favorite anti-hero Lobo, played by Jason Momoa, promising excitement and unpredictability. Additionally, Supergirl’s loyal companion Krypto the Superdog returns, tying the film even more closely to the wider DC universe.
The creative team has emphasized that Supergirl will stand apart in tone from other DCU films. Where Superman carried themes of hope and heroism on Earth, Supergirl ventures into darker and more complicated territory. The influence of the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is clear, with its focus on a more battle-tested and emotionally shaped Kara. Director Craig Gillespie and writer Ana Nogueira have both spoken about wanting to honor the character’s strengths while also revealing her vulnerabilities, making her journey feel both heroic and deeply human.
The first trailer for the film offered audiences a look at this tone. Viewers saw action sequences set in vast alien landscapes, emotional confrontations, and hints of Kara wrestling with her own identity. Reactions from fans were mixed but passionate, with many noting how the film’s visuals and mood feel distinct from other entries in the DCU, highlighting that this Supergirl’s story is really her own.
Supergirl is shaping up to be more than just another superhero movie. It represents a bold step for the DCU, signaling that the franchise is willing to take creative risks and tell character-driven stories that go beyond simple battles. With its strong cast, emotional depth, and expansive setting, the film aims to expand the DC Universe in both scale and heart when it hits theaters in mid-2026.
