Movies

Director Confirms Supergirl Runtime — And Superman Fans Aren’t Pleased

Director Confirms Supergirl Runtime — And Superman Fans Aren’t Pleased
Image credit: Legion-Media

DCU’s next flight goes lean: director Craig Gillespie says Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, clocks in around 1 hour 50 minutes — a brisk cut that may rattle Superman diehards expecting an epic.

Got a soft spot for tight superhero movies? Well, here's your chance to see if less is really more. Director Craig Gillespie is bringing Supergirl to the new DCU — and if you expected a sprawling epic, temper those expectations now. This one is definitely on the shorter side, especially if you're used to superhero movies acting like they're auditioning for 'Gone with the Wind'.

Just the Facts: Supergirl's Running Time

Gillespie finally dropped some specifics in an interview with Collider. Milly Alcock's Supergirl debut will run about 1 hour 50 minutes, credits included. That's not just rumor — that's what Gillespie himself is saying. There were whispers it might be even shorter, possibly 1 hour 45, but the official number seems to have landed just north of that.

If you're doing the math, that's a full 20 minutes shorter than David Corenswet's Superman (which clocked in at a more typical superhero length of 2 hours 10 minutes). For anyone mapping out the James Gunn era of DC, that makes Supergirl the briskest installment yet. Of course, that record could get smashed by Clayface when it lands in October, but for now, Supergirl holds the speed crown.

'Very Excited for Everybody to See It'

'I feel really great about it. I’m very excited for everybody to see it.'

That’s Gillespie on where Supergirl stands — the finishing touches are basically done now. He said the team is in the final stages, getting the effects locked down and wrapping up the last of the sound work this week. In movie-making terms, they’re 'at the finish line' with the release just around the corner on June 26.

Lobo (and Jason Momoa) Crash the Party

In a move that should get some fans' attention, Jason Momoa is showing up as Lobo. Gillespie seems a little smitten with what Momoa brought to the table. According to the director, Momoa joined the shoot about two months in, and every time he’s onscreen with Milly Alcock, there’s a 'just electric' vibe. If you’re a Lobo die-hard, there’s apparently good news: Gillespie promises that Momoa’s Lobo stays pretty close to how the character comes off in the comics.

Screenplay, Source Material, and That Pesky Post-Credits Scene

  • Ana Nogueira is behind the script. She’s adapting Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s 2021-2022 Supergirl comic run — eight issues total. If you know that series, expect the film to pull from some of its storylines and tone.
  • As for post-credits scenes? Gillespie’s lips are sealed. He wouldn’t tease or confirm a thing, so for now, your guess is as good as mine on any hidden DCU teases.

So, verdict: if you’re used to three-hour battles and endless origin retellings, Supergirl might feel a little…light. But for folks who want their superhero stories without bathroom break scheduling, this runtime might be a breath of fresh air. Mark your calendar for June 26 and prepare accordingly.