Supergirl's box office stumble just decided the DCU's future
Supergirl stumbled at the box office, but DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran is pushing ahead, laying out how the DCU moves forward from here.
So, here we are, just a year down the line from the big relaunch of the DC Universe on the big screen, and already they're doubling down on the super-powered family business. After Superman hit cinemas, DC's back with Supergirl, which landed on 26 June. If you caught the tail end of Superman, you'll know Milly Alcock had the tiniest cameo as Kara Zor-El. This time around, she gets the gig proper, stepping into the full role for the first time.
A space road trip… with a body count
The plot this time is nicked from Tom King's Woman of Tomorrow comic run—a surprisingly thoughtful choice given DC's recent habit of patching together whatever sells most toys. Kara (that's Supergirl) and newcomer Ruthye Marye Knoll (played by Eve Ridley) are both out for blood, hunting down Matthias Schoenaerts's Krem of the Yellow Hills, who's done some fairly horrific things to both their families. Oh, and Jason Momoa pops up as Lobo, causing chaos and nicking scenes, as ever. The film essentially becomes a sort of intergalactic road trip—think less 'holiday snaps' and more righteous vengeance, but obviously with the odd spaceship chucked in.
A super start—or a super stumble?
Not going to sugarcoat it, early reviews were all over the place. Some folks liked Alcock and the cosmic visuals, others less impressed by the script, but the real sticking point was the box office. DC's second swing in the new universe scraped in just $38 million in the US and $68 million worldwide on opening weekend. Up against competition like Toy Story 5 (absolutely no one beats Pixar at their own game, apart from the Minions maybe), it's a rough landing—but when you factor in the film's reported $175 million budget, it's a proper headache for the money men.
'It's a marathon, not a sprint'—the DC Studios party line
Despite a wobbly start and plenty of pundits forecasting doom (again), DC Studios bosses appear completely unbothered. Peter Safran, co-CEO and seasoned spindoctor, told The New York Times:
'While "Supergirl" didn't meet our box office expectations, it's just one component of a broader, long-term strategy at DC Studios that we remain confident in.'
Translation: they're playing the long game, and Supergirl was only ever meant to be a piece of the puzzle, not the centrepiece. So, don't expect any sudden pivots or knee-jerk cancellations.
What actually worked in Supergirl?
Much as some critics took a pop at the story structure, Milly Alcock's performance is basically untouchable by consensus. She's signed on for the long haul and, honestly, probably deserves it—most reviews reckoned she nailed the trickier emotional beats (something the DC lot notoriously stumble over). Eve Ridley also did well, and Jason Momoa proved you can make a lot out of just a handful of scenes.
Still, the numbers leave a question mark hanging over the wider franchise, even if the top brass have their spreadsheets all lined up.
What's next for the House of El?
Not wasting a second, Alcock's already shooting her next Superman-adjacent adventure: Man of Tomorrow, due out 2027. We don't know exactly how big her part is yet, but she's definitely back on Earth, teaming up with David Corenswet's Clark Kent. This time, Superman faces an upgrade in villainy: he's got Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor in tow, and Brainiac (Lars Eidinger) is waiting in the wings.
Man of Tomorrow also brings in more of the Justice League crowd, with Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Aaron Pierre giving us a fresh John Stewart/Green Lantern. Someone at DC is clearly betting big on an epic team-up, and, at the very least, it'll be worth watching just to see who actually survives to the end credits.
Who's Who: Main Supergirl Cast
- Milly Alcock – Kara Zor-El / Supergirl
- Eve Ridley – Ruthye Marye Knoll
- Matthias Schoenaerts – Krem of the Yellow Hills
- Jason Momoa – Lobo
Supergirl is out now, still in cinemas if you want to see what all the fuss is about—or just want to watch someone punch a space-biker halfway to Neptune.