James Gunn unveiled a major influence behind DC Universe’s fresh portrayal of Supergirl, drawing a clear parallel to Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic, flawed Iron Man from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. At a DC Studios press event on December 7, 2025, Gunn emphasized that Supergirl’s imperfections are essential to her appeal in the new DCU, making her a more relatable figure.
The discussion took place alongside Supergirl actress Milly Alcock and director Craig Gillespie, where all three stressed that this version of Kara Zor-El will break away from the traditionally flawless female superhero archetype. Gunn pointed to Iron Man’s Tony Stark as a key example of how audiences have embraced deeply flawed male heroes, and insisted that Supergirl should be allowed the same nuanced complexity.
What Makes Supergirl Comparable to Marvel’s Iron Man?
Milly Alcock described the significance of Supergirl in the upcoming 2026 film, particularly her influence on young female viewers:
“I think that what Supergirl represents for young women, especially, is that you can be flawed, that you can be openly… and you don’t have to be perfect in order to come to some internal self-resolution. I think that we’re kind of thrusted upon this narrative, especially women, that you have to be perfect in every aspect of your life. And I think that Kara is someone who so beautifully leans into her flaws. And I think that’s really special.” – Milly Alcock, Actress
Gunn agreed with Alcock’s perspective, noting the rarity of depicting female superheroes as flawed as their male counterparts. He explained that female leads often appear more perfect, while heroes like Tony Stark and Star-Lord embody messiness and emotional complexity:
“Yeah, I agree with you. That’s really what spoke to me both in the book and on a script is that a lot of times for some reason, our female superhero leads are just so much more perfect than our male. Tony Stark and Star-Lord are such messes and yet that isn’t always the same thing for our female superhero leads and seeing somebody who was just so imperfect and such a mess, but just really a beautiful soul.” – James Gunn, Director and Writer
By referencing Iron Man and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord, Gunn positioned Supergirl among notable MCU heroes known for their flaws. Their troubled pasts and poor choices added depth to their characters, making them complex yet relatable. The same traits evidently inspire this new DC version of Kara Zor-El.
Supergirl’s Personal Struggles Shape Her Role as an Anti-Hero
Craig Gillespie, director of the film, revealed that Supergirl’s complexity stems from the heavy personal burden she carries:
“And an understandable mess of that. She’s got some serious baggage that she’s dealing with.” – Craig Gillespie, Director
During the event, when asked what sets Supergirl apart in the DCU, Gunn and Gillespie described her as an anti-hero who initially resists the responsibilities thrust upon her. Gillespie explained that when audiences first meet Kara, she is running from her destiny and isolated in her own world:
I think it’s the fact that she’s an anti-hero. What I loved in the story is she doesn’t want the role. When we meet her, she’s, in a very hard way, running away from it and in her own space. And she gets dragged very reluctantly into the world of having to be a superhero. The way she handles that, the way that she deals with it, and the way that she finds herself through that story is really fascinating, and it’s incomplete, which I love as well.” – Craig Gillespie, Director
Gunn reiterated that the character’s imperfection and unfinished arc are what made the project so appealing to him.
The Importance of Supergirl’s Flawed Humanity in the DC Universe
This approach stands in stark contrast with Superman’s usually unwavering sense of right and clear moral compass. Supergirl’s resistance, emotional conflict, and unresolved issues provide a fresh, messy counterpoint that grounds her in realism. If done successfully, this portrayal could make Supergirl one of the DCU’s most multi-dimensional and relatable heroes, not just because of her powers but because of her ongoing personal growth.
Given the consistent audience admiration for flawed heroes in contemporary cinema, Gunn’s likening of Supergirl to Iron Man suggests the character is poised for a unique and compelling role within the DCU landscape. By embracing her imperfections and presenting her as a reluctant, complex anti-hero, the film aims to redefine what female superheroes can embody on screen.
