Supergirl’s First Reactions: A Gritty Turn for the DCU

Press screenings of DC Studios’ “Supergirl” in June 2026 produced early commentary. Craig Gillespie’s film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and Jason Momoa as Lobo, opening internationally on June 24 and in the United States on June 26. Reviewers praised Alcock, Momoa, and the “Mad Max-style” aesthetic, noting a darker tone than the summer’s “Superman”.

Hollywood Reporter

“Supergirl” is the second solo DCU film after James Gunn and Peter Safran’s 2025 “Superman”, which earned $618 million worldwide. The story adapts Tom King’s 2021-22 comic “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” and follows Kara on a quest for vengeance after a loss. The film precedes the planned 2027 “Man of Tomorrow”, where she is expected to return.

First Reactions to DC’s SUPERGIRL Are In, and One Thing Seems Clear... Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa Deliver — GeekTyrant

Alcock said Kara is “a very reluctant hero” with humility, stressing the role’s emotional intensity. Momoa described playing Lobo as “a proud achievement” and said the character could return if fans respond positively. Gillespie noted Supergirl “wasn’t placed on a pedestal; she is flawed, traumatized, and relatable”. DC Studios positioned the film as a “companion piece” to “Superman”, expanding the franchise’s emotional scope.

‘Supergirl’ 1st reactions praise Alcock, Momoa amid mixed reviews

Critics flagged structural weaknesses. The villain Krem of the Yellow Hills was described as “bland”, and pacing was called uneven, with the story “starting as a slow burn before finding its footing”. The gritty world-building and self-destructive heroine may alienate viewers expecting a conventional superhero tone.

Variety Magazine

Variety lists a July 26 U.S. release, while Reuters and most outlets report June 26. Opening-weekend forecasts range up to $51 million, far below “Superman”. Full critic reviews remain unpublished, leaving the film’s long-term performance uncertain.

Is Supergirl Worth Watching? First Reactions on DCU Movie Are Out

Kara Zor-El is slated for “Man of Tomorrow”. DC Studios may expand Lobo’s role if audience response is strong, and the next DCU feature, “Teen Titans”, is in development, extending the narrative begun by “Superman” and “Supergirl”.

First Reactions to DC’s SUPERGIRL Are In, and One Thing Seems Clear... Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa Deliver — GeekTyrant

• “It isn’t a classic but it’s fun and hits most of the targets it aims for,” — Simon Thompson, journalist

Variety Magazine

• “I would describe her as a very reluctant hero. I think she's a bit of a rebel, but she's got a lot of humility, and I think audiences are going to be very surprised,” — Milly Alcock, actor

Reuters

• “Supergirl is highly enjoyable. It doesn’t quite have the resonance of Superman, but it acts as both a perfect companion and follow-up to that movie with better characters and more complex relationships. It’s also incredibly emotional, which makes the action hit even harder.” — Germain Lussier, Gizmodo

Hollywood Reporter

• “It's a proud achievement. You never think you're going to play your childhood comic book character,” — Jason Momoa, actor

Reuters