James Gunn recently discussed the contrasting backgrounds of Supergirl and Superman, emphasizing how their distinct upbringings shape their characters. Following the global success of his Superman film, which has earned $220 million at the box office, Gunn explained that Supergirl, portrayed by Australian actress Milly Alcock, will not mirror her cousin’s story. Instead, she is portrayed as a “total mess” due to a more troubled past, signaling a darker tone for the character in the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Gunn’s remarks clarify that unlike Superman’s nurturing childhood with loving adoptive parents, Supergirl’s history is marred by significant hardships, which has influenced her development and personality very differently.
The New Supergirl Movie’s Creative Team and Cast
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is adapting the comic by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, with Craig Gillespie, known for directing Cruella and I, Tonya, at the helm of the project. The cast includes Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll, and Jason Momoa, who transitions from his role as Aquaman in the Snyderverse to play the anti-hero alien bounty hunter Lobo, a character described as a mix between Wolverine and Deadpool.
Emily Beecham and David Krumholtz have been cast as Supergirl’s parents, adding depth to her complex backstory. Notably, the film will also feature the return of Krypto, Kara Zor-El’s Kryptonian dog introduced in Gunn’s Superman movie, who previously caused considerable complications.
Supergirl’s Place in the DC Universe and Future Possibilities
With both Superman and Supergirl now having solo films within the DCU, fans may anticipate a future crossover or team-up event. Gunn has hinted that the upcoming sequel, Superman 2, will defy fan expectations, suggesting fresh directions for the characters’ stories.
The character of Supergirl has been portrayed by numerous actresses over the years, including Helen Slater in the 1984 original film, Laura Vandervoort in Smallville, Sasha Calle in The Flash, and Melissa Benoist in her own CW series. Gunn and DC Studios appear determined to distinguish this new version through exploring Supergirl’s darker upbringing and more complicated nature, setting her apart meaningfully from her cousin Kal-El, who is portrayed by David Corenswet in the current DCU.
Release Date and Anticipation for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Fans eager to experience this unique take on the iconic superhero will not have to wait long, as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is scheduled to debut in theaters on June 26, 2026. This film promises to offer a fresh perspective on a familiar character, highlighting how her difficult past shapes the way she faces the challenges ahead.
James Gunn on Supergirl’s Complex Background
“She’s a mess. 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. 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. And she’s ended up different than her cousin,”
—James Gunn, Director and Producer
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, Marvel removed James Gunn from his position due to public anger over his old tweets containing inappropriate jokes about sensitive topics.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and often speaks about the significance of prayer in his life. However, he has also described himself as “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 significant importance for him. However, he has also expressed that, in certain aspects, he is against organized religion.
