Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Supergirl in James Gunn’s Superman offers a brief but memorable glimpse, establishing her as a party-loving character while confirming she is Superman’s cousin and has spent time off-world. James Gunn describes the DC Universe’s Kara Zor-El as “a total mess,” emphasizing the stark contrast between her and Superman’s upbringing.
She’s a total mess. I mean, I think as we learn, she’s had a completely different background from Superman. A much more difficult background,
Gunn explains.
He’s had this wonderful upbringing by these two parents that loved him and were very healthy. And her background was much different than that.
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
Milly Alcock to Lead Upcoming Supergirl Film
Alcock is set to star as Supergirl in the upcoming DCU movie scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. This new film will follow a storyline inspired by the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, where Kara Zor-El embarks on a rebellious mission against oppressive rulers on an alien planet. This narrative promises a transformative journey for the character, highlighting her resilience amid challenges.
Supergirl’s Powers and Kryptonian Origins
In her cameo, Supergirl appears vulnerable, potentially weakened under a red sun, which mirrors her comic book portrayal where she often struggles with her powers in similar conditions. In the comics, she originates from Argo City, a part of Krypton distinct from Kal-El’s home. Sent to Earth at the same time as her cousin, Kal-El, Kara Zor-El was a young woman tasked with watching over him. However, her escape pod got lost, causing her to arrive on Earth after her cousin had already grown up.
Anticipation Builds for Supergirl’s Solo Venture
The depiction of Supergirl in Superman sets a complex tone for her character ahead of her solo cinematic debut. The contrast between her difficult background and Superman’s more stable one adds depth to the upcoming movie’s narrative. With her story rooted in rebellion and personal growth, the film is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the DCU. Fans will be watching closely as Supergirl evolves from a “total mess” to a defining hero within the new universe James Gunn is crafting.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, Marvel let James Gunn go after old tweets with offensive jokes about sensitive topics like pedophilia, rape, and abuse caused public anger.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he has also described himself as being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still holds significance for him. However, he also considers himself somewhat against organized religion.
