James Gunn’s Superman is more than just a reboot of the Man of Steel; it redefines an entire DC Universe, introducing several new heroes destined to play significant roles in upcoming stories. Among these are members of the Justice Gang—Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl—characters who will appear in Peacemaker, with Guy Gardner expected to star in the HBO Max series Lanterns, slated for release in 2026. Near the film’s conclusion, Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl and portrayed by Milly Alcock of House of the Dragon fame, makes a surprising appearance, signaling her future importance in the DC Universe.
This Version of Supergirl Breaks New Ground
Supergirl has been portrayed by different actresses over the years, from Helen Slater in the 1980s to Melissa Benoist in the Arrowverse, and more recently Sasha Calle in The Flash. However, this iteration of Kara Zor-El stands apart owing to her unorthodox introduction. Unlike previous versions, here she is intoxicated, entering and leaving the Fortress of Solitude while casually insulting her cousin Clark. The plot device explaining her drunkenness reveals a layer of complexity: Kara has been living on a planet with a red sun, which uniquely affects Kryptonians, allowing them to experience intoxication. This unusual trait not only adds humor but also sets the stage for her solo film.
Understanding Why Supergirl Is Drunk in Superman
The reasons behind Supergirl’s drunken state go beyond mere plot convenience, revealing the stark differences between her and Superman in this new iteration of the DC Universe. James Gunn described her as “a total mess” with
“a different… much more difficult background”
compared to her cousin. Her forthcoming solo movie will draw inspiration from the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, written by Tom King with art by Bilquis Evely and colors by Mat Lopes, which explores Kara’s darker journey.
Unlike Kal-El, who was sent to Earth as a child and raised by a caring family, Kara remained on a fragment of Krypton and endured tremendous loss. She witnessed the deaths of people she loved long before coming to Earth, which shaped her into a more somber, troubled figure. Her struggles with trauma and disillusionment have led her to cope through alcohol, reflecting a grittier, more human side rarely explored in previous versions of the character.
The story‘s roots in the comics are clear, as it begins with Kara drinking in a bar to mark her 21st birthday—a moment that has been directly transposed into this cinematic universe. This version of Supergirl embodies a character burdened by loss and a vague sense of purpose, which promises to deepen her narrative arc in her solo film.
Superman’s Drunken Supergirl Scene Balances Humor with Depth
The cameo in Superman uses humor to introduce Kara’s complicated state, a choice that benefits greatly from Milly Alcock’s performance. There is speculation that James Gunn’s casting may have been inspired, at least in part, by Alcock’s candid moment of intoxication at the 2023 Golden Globes. This blend of comedic timing with emotional weight suggests that the 2026 Supergirl movie will continue to balance moments of levity with significant emotional exploration.
The character’s journey will likely delve into her trauma, guilt, and anger—themes central to her development as a hero. Kara’s story, echoing the core of the Woman of Tomorrow storyline, can be understood as a quest for vengeance, layered with intense personal pain and resilience. The film is positioned to offer a nuanced portrayal that intertwines moments of humor with more serious, even dark, emotional beats.
Setting the Stage for a Unique Hero in the DC Universe
This interpretation of Supergirl provides a perfect counterpoint to Superman’s message of hope and humanity. While James Gunn’s Superman is a classic hero who inspires optimism, Supergirl’s arc is centered on reclaiming lost hope after enduring hardship. Gunn has described her as a “messy individual,” accompanied by her loyal but equally “messy” dog, emphasizing a personal story filled with emotional complexity.
The upcoming film will highlight Kara’s personal struggles as she attempts to untangle her past and her identity, presenting a hero who is very different from her cousin. This distinct narrative enriches the growing DC Universe by showcasing diverse types of heroism and storytelling depth.
Supergirl’s solo movie is set to premiere in theaters on June 26, 2026. Meanwhile, Superman is currently available in cinemas and on digital platforms, laying the foundation for the expanding DC narrative.
