As you all know, DC Extended Universe died in 2023. James “JG” Gunn rebooted the entire series as DC Universe. First TV show is “Creature Commandos.” Followed by a Superman reboot Both projects were successful. They’re a part of the first chapter under, “Gods and the Monsters.” The equivalent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “phases.” Due to working on “Superman: Man of Tomorrow,” Mr. Gunn couldn’t direct Supergirl. So, Craig Gillespie took over directing duty. TV writer, Ana Nogueira penned the script adapting the highly acclaimed eight-part mini-series, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” Milly Alcock won the role as the titular character. She first appeared in a cameo appearance in Superman. Now she’s carrying the second film within the DC Universe.
Supergirl’s now playing in theaters. Unlike Superman, it received divisive reactions from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Anyway, more movies and shows are on the horizon. Clayface is getting his own film in October 23, 2023. “Lanterns” is slated to air/stream simultaneously on August 16, 2026 exclusively on HBO/HBO Max.
This review contains SPOILERS. If you’re somewhat interested in seeing Supergirl, read at your own risk.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Momoa & David Krumholtz all did a decent job for their respective performances.
David Corenswet reprises his role as Superman in a small role.
Action Sequences are solid.
Only good part I liked is Kara’s tragic backstory. Which is told in Woman of Tomorrow.
Seth Rogen voices a tiny alien on a space bus.
Weak: Craig Gillespie didn’t do a good job directing.
Ana Nogueira failed to retain core elements from the eight-part graphic novel. Here’s a list of reasons why it deviates from the source material. This pretty much explains she’s an inexperienced screenwriter.
- Ruthye doesn’t provide narration. Imagine if Richard Dreyfus didn’t narrate “Stand By Me?”
- Ruthye’s supposed to be a stubborn, snarky girl with sword fighting experience. In the film, she comes across as annoying and lacks combat experience. This makes Jar Jar Binks a saint. At least he participated in aiding the Gungans fight an army of Battle Droids in “The Phantom Menace.”
- Ruthye’s father died. Her mother and siblings survived. In the film they don’t.
- Kara’s pet horse, Comet is omitted. He helped Kara outrun Krem’s powerful sphere. This never happened in the film.
- A red kryptonite dragon fought Supergirl. She took a red kryptonite pill to combat the creature giving her wings made of flame and the ability to project fire. This also never happened in the film.
- In the comics, visual illustrations have a variety of color representing a unique planet. Most of the film is shot in a yellow ugly filter. This ain’t a David Fincher film. “Batman Begins” gets a pass because scenes in Gotham City have a yellow filter representing a dirty and corrupt environment. Planets shot in a yellow filter however, doesn’t seem quite right.
- Kara & Ruthye visit the city of Maypole looking for Krem. His background is tied to a blue aliens committing genocide of purple aliens. That element is absent leaving Krem as a one-dimensional bad guy.
- As Kara is exposed to a green sun leaving her paralyzed, Ruthye protects her from dinosaurs. Like Maypole, they went A.W.O.L.
- Kara doesn’t wear her costume until Act 3. She wore her costume in the comics prior to a big battle between her and Krem.
- Supergirl & Ruthye spare Krem. He’s sentenced to the Phantom Zone for 300 years. Moral of the story, revenge won’t heal the pain. What happens in the film? Supergirl kills Krem and breaking her cousin’s no-killing rule. She and Ruthye call it a day. They learned nothing.
- Kara & Ruthye have lackluster chemistry. They formed a bond in issues #1-8.
I swear to god I’m totally not making this up. At an alien convenience store, a slug poops our popcorn. Kara takes a bite of it. Ugh! This ain’t “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” You know, that one scene with Austin who accidentally drinks Fat Bastard’s stool sample. He mistook it for coffee.
A slow and somber cover version of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” plays during a big battle. Oh jeez. This gave me Tim Allen’s “Zoom” flashbacks. One of the worst superhero movies of all time.
The film ends with an unfunny joke. Krypto heads to Superman’s kitchen trying to eat chocolate.
The Final Verdict: D-
Supergirl’s latest film is by far the weakest installment of the DC Universe. This was one of my highly anticipated films of 2026. I expected it to be a top-tier popcorn film. Sadly, it felt like the Helen Slater version all over again. Supergirl can’t catch a break. I’m already worried Ana Nogueira’s onboard to write a Teen Titans script. Somebody tell James Gunn to fire her in favor of recruiting Paul Thomas Anderson. He revealed he’s a fan of the 2003 cartoon and comics. The Oscar winning director has comic book knowledge. All I want is to see Raven on the big screen. She’s my second favorite DC superhero besides Batman.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 