After decades of living in her cousin Superman’s shadow, Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, is finally taking the spotlight in her own big-screen adventure. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) and produced by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the upcoming DC Studios film marks a bold new chapter in the DC Universe (DCU).
Here’s everything we know so far about Supergirl (2026) — including its release date, cast, plot, and production details.
Supergirl Release Date
Supergirl is officially set to hit theaters and IMAX on June 26, 2026.
This date places it roughly a year after Gunn’s Superman film, in which Kara made a surprise post-credits cameo. While the release date could shift depending on post-production schedules or competing tentpoles, fans can mark mid-2026 as the moment the Woman of Tomorrow finally takes flight.
As for streaming, the movie will debut exclusively in theaters before heading to Max (formerly HBO Max) a few months later, continuing Warner Bros. Discovery’s DCU release strategy.
The Storyline and Inspiration Behind Supergirl (2026)
Unlike previous, lighter portrayals of the character, the 2026 Supergirl will explore darker and more mature themes of vengeance, identity, and redemption.
The story draws direct inspiration from DC Comics’ 2021–2022 limited series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely. In this adaptation, Kara Zor-El sets out on a cosmic journey alongside her loyal companion, Krypto the Superdog, as she celebrates her 21st birthday.
During her travels, she meets a young alien named Ruthye Marye Knoll, who seeks justice for her father’s murder at the hands of Krem of the Yellow Hills. Together, they embark on a galactic revenge mission, pushing Kara to confront not only ruthless foes but also her own trauma and purpose in the universe.
James Gunn has teased that the tone will be more grounded and emotional than previous DC adaptations, saying it’s “above and beyond anything I hoped it would be… a beautiful, star-spanning tale.”
When Was Supergirl Created?
Supergirl first appeared in Action Comics #252 in May 1959, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. Over the decades, Kara Zor-El has become a symbol of courage and compassion within the DC mythos. She’s been featured in multiple comics, animated series, and live-action adaptations — including the 1984 film starring Helen Slater and the CW’s Supergirl series led by Melissa Benoist.
Now, nearly 40 years later, DC is reintroducing Kara for a new generation in the revamped Gunn-Safran DCU.
The Cast of Supergirl (2026)
Leading the cast is Milly Alcock, best known for her breakout role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon. Alcock takes on the mantle of Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, bringing a mix of strength and vulnerability to the role.
Joining her are:
- Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, the ruthless assassin and central antagonist.
- Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll, Kara’s brave companion.
- David Krumholtz as Zor-El, Kara’s father.
- Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze, her mother.
- Jason Momoa (rumored) to appear as Lobo, adding another fan-favorite DC antihero into the mix.
This lineup promises a strong blend of established stars and rising talent, perfectly matching the film’s cosmic and character-driven tone.
Director, Writer, and Production Team
Supergirl (2026) is directed by Craig Gillespie, whose filmography includes I, Tonya, Lars and the Real Girl, and Cruella — all known for their dynamic female leads.
The screenplay is written by Ana Nogueira (The Vampire Diaries), adapted in collaboration with Tom King and Bilquis Evely, the original creators of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
James Gunn and Peter Safran serve as producers under DC Studios, positioning Supergirl as a major cornerstone of their newly rebooted DC Universe, following Superman (2025).
What to Expect from Supergirl’s Character
This version of Kara Zor-El will reportedly be far more battle-hardened than past interpretations. Unlike Clark Kent, who was raised on Earth, Kara grew up on a fragment of Krypton that continued to orbit a dying sun. She’s seen unimaginable devastation — giving her a sharper edge and a complex moral compass.
James Gunn has emphasized that this is not the cheerful farm-girl version of Supergirl fans may expect. Instead, it’s a tougher, more cosmic hero molded by tragedy, survival, and empathy.
Trailer and Behind-the-Scenes Teases
No official trailer has been released yet, but James Gunn has shared two behind-the-scenes photos via social media:
- On January 23, 2025, Gunn posted a photo of Milly Alcock sitting in a Supergirl director’s chair at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, marking the start of production.
- On March 31, 2025, he shared another image showing Alcock holding the deluxe Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic collection, teasing fans with the source material’s significance.
Additionally, following Supergirl’s cameo in Superman (2025)’s post-credits scene, Gunn unveiled a teaser poster showing Kara leaning against a graffiti-tagged sign reading “Look Out” — a clever nod to Superman’s tagline, “Look Up.”
Will Supergirl Connect to Superman and the DCU?
Yes. Supergirl (2026) is officially part of James Gunn’s unified DCU timeline, making it a direct follow-up to Superman (2025). Kara’s story will expand the Kryptonian mythos and may set up crossover events for future DC films.
While plot specifics remain under wraps, fans can expect the shared universe approach that Gunn has promised for this new era — where each movie and series interlocks narratively.
FAQs About Supergirl (2026)
1. When will Supergirl be released?
The film hits theaters on June 26, 2026, with an expected streaming debut on Max later that year.
2. Who plays Supergirl in the DCU?
Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El, the titular hero.
3. What comic is the movie based on?
It’s inspired by Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2021–2022).
4. Is Superman appearing in the film?
While unconfirmed, David Corenswet’s Superman may appear briefly to connect the story to Superman (2025).
5. Who is directing Supergirl?
Craig Gillespie, known for Cruella and I, Tonya, is directing the project.
Final Thoughts
With its darker tone, emotional depth, and cosmic scale, Supergirl (2026) promises to redefine one of DC’s most beloved heroes for a new era. Guided by James Gunn’s DCU vision and Milly Alcock’s fresh take on Kara Zor-El, this film could finally give the Woman of Tomorrow the spotlight she’s always deserved.
Are you excited to see Milly Alcock soar as Supergirl? Share your thoughts and favorite DCU theories in the comments on trendingnewsbuzz.com!
