As the Summer of Superman winds down and the second season of Peacemaker concludes next week, fans of the DC Universe (DCU) may face a brief wait before the next installment arrives. However, Supergirl is scheduled to return to theaters in June 2026, with new details about her comeback beginning to surface, highlighting James Gunn’s latest DCU movie project.
Industry sources reveal that a private screening of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow recently took place at the Burbank studio lot. This event was attended by select executives and trusted members of James Gunn’s core DC team, sparking early interest in the film’s direction and tone.
A New, Grittier Version of the Girl of Steel
The upcoming film portrays Kara Zor-El in a distinctly darker and more nuanced way than seen in earlier adaptations. Writer Ana Nogueira shared what drew her to this interpretation, describing it as
“rougher and grittier and edgier and funnier.”
She explained the appeal by contrasting this version with previous portrayals, stating,
“She watched Krypton completely be destroyed. I was always like, ‘I can’t get my head around the version of the character that is so sunny.’”
Milly Alcock returns to the role of Kara Zor-El after her initial DCU appearance in the final scenes of the recent Superman film, signaling continuity within the expanding universe James Gunn is shaping. This iteration of Supergirl appears to diverge significantly from the more optimistic tone associated with the CBS and CW television series led by Melissa Benoist.
Star-Studded Cast and Character Highlights
The film also features Eve Ridley, known for 3 Body Problem, as Ruthye Mary Knolle, a key character who accompanies Kara on her journey. Matthias Schoenaerts, recognized for his role in The Old Guard, portrays Krem of the Yellow Hills, the film’s antagonist. Additionally, Jason Momoa is set to make his DCU debut as the bounty hunter Lobo, adding further star power.
The roster of newcomers continues with David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham cast as Kara’s parents, Zor-El and Alura, expanding the story’s family dynamics and Kryptonian heritage.
Plot Overview and Creative Vision
The film’s narrative follows Kara as she celebrates her 21st birthday traveling through the galaxy alongside Krypto, the Superdog. Along the way, she encounters Ruthye, and their journey evolves into a deadly quest for revenge. This storyline promises a more complex and less conventional take on a superhero origin and mission.
The project, announced by James Gunn and Peter Safran during their January press event unveiling the DCU’s Gods and Monsters slate, takes inspiration from the acclaimed 2022 comic book series by King. Gunn elaborated on the character’s background and contrast with Superman, saying,
“In our series we see the difference between Superman who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from the time he was an infant, versus Supergirl who was raised on a rock, a chip off Krypton, and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life, and then came to Earth when she was a young girl. She’s much more hardcore, she’s not exactly the Supergirl we’re used to seeing.”
Anticipation Builds Ahead of 2026 Release
With Warner Bros. confirming the film’s release date as June 26, 2026, anticipation is growing among fans and critics alike. The private screening and early positive buzz suggest that this James Gunn DCU movie will carve out a unique space in the superhero genre by embracing a more mature and edgy tone. As reactions begin to emerge, the film is expected to significantly shape the future trajectory of the DC Universe’s cinematic landscape, offering a fresh perspective on an iconic character with deeper emotional stakes and a tougher edge.
