SPOILER WARNING FOR GUNNS SUPERMAN FILM
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) isn’t just a triumphant return for the Man of Steel, it’s a bold foundation for the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), introducing key characters and setting the stage for future stories. One of the most exciting surprises in the film is the debut of Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, a character poised to carve her own path in the DCU. In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, Gunn shared insights into how Supergirl’s cameo in Superman establishes her unique role and teases her upcoming solo film with details about her past. Here’s a deep dive into how Superman sets up Kara Zor-El’s journey, her differences from Superman, and what fans can expect from her in the DCU.
Why Supergirl’s DCU Debut Matters
Supergirl’s introduction in Superman is a pivotal moment for the DCU, signaling a fresh take on a beloved character. Unlike previous iterations, this Supergirl is raw, flawed, and distinctly different from her cousin, Clark Kent. Her brief but memorable appearance lays the groundwork for her solo film, Supergirl (2026), directed by Craig Gillespie and inspired by Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic. Here’s why her debut is significant:
- A New Kind of Hero: Gunn describes Kara as “a total mess,” reflecting her challenging background and emotional complexity, setting her apart from Superman’s polished heroism.
- Cameo with Purpose: Her appearance in Superman isn’t just a tease—it aligns with the comic’s narrative, introducing her struggles and personality in a way that feels organic to the DCU’s broader story as she arrived drunk and uncaring.
- Expanding the DCU: By introducing Supergirl alongside other heroes like Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl, Superman establishes a vibrant, interconnected universe where characters can shine in their own stories.
James Gunn’s response when asked about Supergirl being a “mess”
“Yeah, that’s her. She’s a mess. She’s a total mess. I mean, I think as we learn, she’s had a completely different background from Superman. A much more difficult background. He’s had this wonderful upbringing by these two parents that loved him and were very healthy. And her background was much different than that. And she’s ended up different than her cousin.“
Final Thoughts
James Gunn is doing wonderful things for the DCU as we have seen that he has come out super swinging with his massive DCU movie, SUPERMAN. This was such a great movie with so many great cameos. One of the best cameos was Supergirl, who we got to see in a drunken light. Well, now we plainly see that there is a reason she is a partier because she is trying to forget her very dark past. Making her very “different” from her cousin Clark Kent. Many fans are awaiting her films arrival next year on June 26, 2026 and so are we, but for now we are going to keep rewatching David Corenswet’s Superman because of how truly super awesome it was.
