James Gunn, head of DC Studios, disclosed in a recent interview that the upcoming DCU project Supergirl will serve as the closest equivalent to a Guardians of the Galaxy film within the DC Universe. Known for directing Marvel’s Guardians trilogy before joining Warner Bros. to lead the DC franchise, Gunn highlighted Supergirl as a space-centered adventure reflecting the tone and spirit of Guardians, set to release in 2026.
Supergirl Positioned as DC’s Cosmic Adventure
During a conversation with Rolling Stone following the finale of Peacemaker Season 2, James Gunn described Supergirl as DC’s response to the Guardians of the Galaxy style of storytelling. He specifically noted that Supergirl is “a space adventure” much like Guardians.
Gunn also addressed how this film fits within the broader DCU narrative, explaining that while Supergirl and another project, Lanterns, each have their own distinct stories, they are also integral components of the larger world he is building. He said,
“Both those stories were a part of what we originally put together, so they’re part of the overall tapestry, but they’re also their own thing. ‘Supergirl’ especially is a space adventure. It’s like ‘Guardians.’ ‘Lanterns’ is its own thing. There’s just a longer, sort of a bigger world we’re building with all these different pieces, and they do all come together and intersect sometimes in a story fashion and sometimes just in a, you know, ‘here’s another piece of the world’ fashion.”
The film, directed by Craig Gillespie—known for I, Tonya—is set to introduce audiences to the cosmic side of the DC Universe for the first time. It follows the story of Kara Zor-El, portrayed by Milly Alcock, who is the young, super-powered cousin of Kal-El (played by David Corenswet). Supergirl embarks on a dark and self-destructive quest for revenge across the galaxy, supported by an ensemble that includes Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Momoa, and Eve Ridley.
Shared Elements with Guardians of the Galaxy
Supergirl is not only influenced by Guardians through its space opera setting but also through stylistic choices like incorporating licensed music into its soundtrack. James Gunn teased that the inclusion of songs in Supergirl and the HBO Max series Lanterns is deliberate but secondary to storytelling.
When asked about the role of music, Gunn stated,
“There’s songs in both of those things. But I don’t give a shit if there’s songs in something or not. For me, I use songs like — listen, Superman to me was a score movie. There’s just the one song that is strangely probably the biggest sort of hit song I’ve had out of a show that wasn’t Wig Wam. You know, maybe ‘Come and Get Your Love’ from the first ‘Guardians.’ But everybody knew ‘Come and Get Your Love.’ It was like a rediscovery of a song from a new perspective.”
This approach mirrors Guardians of the Galaxy’s successful use of classic tracks that evoke nostalgia and add emotional depth, even if music is not the defining factor of the film’s identity.
Complex Protagonist Echoes Star-Lord’s Flaws
Beyond music and setting, Supergirl shares narrative similarities with Guardians through its flawed lead character. Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El is described as troubled and imperfect, much like Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord, who was introduced in the 2014 Guardians film as a charismatic yet morally ambiguous antihero.
James Gunn revealed in a July 2025 interview that Supergirl is “kind of a mess” and has “real issues,” suggesting a character arc filled with growth and redemption. Fans already caught a glimpse of this version of the character in a brief, drunken cameo in the recent Superman film, emphasizing her rebellious and unruly nature.
Supergirl’s story involves an intense, sometimes self-destructive journey toward becoming the Woman of Tomorrow, a path marked by struggle and transformation. While she retains a bold and assertive spirit, her evolution includes adopting a more altruistic outlook over time, paralleling the development of Star-Lord and his Guardians teammates in their own saga.
Building a Bigger Cosmic Narrative for the DCU
James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe is expansive, weaving together distinct narratives like Supergirl and Lanterns into a coherent yet multifaceted world. These projects not only provide standalone stories but also contribute pieces to a larger, interconnected cosmic storyline that aims to rival existing superhero universes.
The integration of characters like Kara Zor-El, and projects helmed by directors like Craig Gillespie, signals DC’s strategic move to deepen its cosmic mythos. Featuring familiar actors such as Jason Momoa and Matthias Schoenaerts alongside emerging talent, Supergirl positions itself as a keystone film in DC’s cosmic lineup.
With its release scheduled for June 26, 2026, Supergirl is anticipated to introduce audiences to the DC Universe’s version of interstellar adventure and character complexity, offering a new angle on superhero stories under James Gunn’s creatively intense leadership.
