Contains spoilers for “Superman”

After the massive triumph of James Gunn’s “Superman,” the mission to expand a successful DC Universe on the big screen will resume next year with “Supergirl.” To get all the latest details on Kara Zor-El’s cinematic return, check out our detailed recap video linked above. For fans of superhero films, “Supergirl” is a must-watch as it will pose an even greater challenge for the genre’s ongoing popularity than “Superman” did.

We’ve already seen a sneak peek of the new DCU’s Supergirl towards the end of “Superman.” Portrayed by “House of the Dragon” actress Milly Alcock, Supergirl makes an inebriated entrance at the Fortress of Solitude, aiming to reclaim her dog Krypto from her cousin, Kal-El, or Superman (David Corenswet), who has been pet sitting. This lively debut sets up the “Supergirl” film, further amplified by James Gunn’s comments to Screen Rant, indicating that Kara in the DCU will be “a total mess” due to her distinct past.

“[Superman has] enjoyed a wonderful upbringing with two loving, supportive parents,” Gunn explained. “In contrast, [Supergirl’s] background was markedly different.” As we anticipate “Supergirl” shedding light on Gunn’s statement, Kara’s discernible party-loving demeanor is backed by her comic book history. This even suggests potential timing within the DCU timeline for the “Supergirl” story.

“Supergirl” is being directed by Craig Gillespie (who’s well-acquainted with crowd-pleasing flicks about complicated young women, as demonstrated by “I, Tonya” and “Cruella”) and written by Ana Nogueira. Primarily based on the eight-issue miniseries “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely, the film will find Kara Zor-El crossing paths with Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), an alien girl who ropes Kara into her quest to avenge her father’s death at the hands of Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoeanerts).

If Milly Alcock’s onscreen debut as Kara is any indication, that story may happen in close temporal proximity to the plot of “Superman.” In “Woman of Tomorrow,” Kara meets Ruthye while getting drunk in a tavern somewhere far away from Earth (a necessity, given that our sun’s replenishing effect makes drunkenness impossible for Kryptonians). She’s wearing the very same beige coat Alcock is shown wearing in “Superman,” and has Krypto by her side. This suggests that, in “Supergirl,” Kara might meet Ruthye shortly before or shortly after her stop on Earth to pick up Krypto. Either that, or she’s even more chronically drunk than it seems. 

Whatever the case, it appears “Supergirl” will honor the singular exploration of Kara’s vulnerable side that made “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” one of the best “Supergirl” stories ever, as well as the theme of heroism itself as an arduous, hard-fought battle — which is certainly an encouraging prospect. Don’t forget to watch our video recap as the wait begins for “Supergirl” to arrive on June 26, 2026.