Supergirl's Box Office Shortfall Highlights DCU's Early Growing Pains

Warner Bros. and DC Studios introduced a new DC Universe (DCU) with the 2025 *Superman* reboot, followed by *Supergirl* on June 26, 2024. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El and revisits the 1984 *Supergirl* starring Helen Slater. The plot centers on a rescue mission for the hero’s dog Krypto.

Hollywood Reporter

Domestic opening is reported as $37 million, $37.1 million, or $38 million; worldwide totals range from $62 million to $62.6 million. Production costs are cited at $170 million or $175 million, with $75 million in marketing noted by one source. Analysts expected a $50 million domestic debut, making the actual result notably lower. By contrast, the 2025 *Superman* opened with $125 million domestically. Variety projects a total loss of $100–$120 million.

Variety Magazine

Peter Safran, co-CEO of DC Studios, said the film “didn’t meet our box office expectations” but remains “just one component of a broader, long-term strategy” the studio will pursue.

DC boss breaks silence on Supergirl's box office failure

Alcock said she faces criticism for “simply existing as a woman” in a male-dominated genre, attributing backlash to anonymous “burner accounts” and self-identified “Christian dads.” Analysts also noted strong competition from *Minions & Monsters*, *Toy Story 5*, and Spielberg’s *Disclosure Day*.

The Christian Post

Domestic opening numbers differ ($37 M, $37.1 M, $38 M); worldwide totals vary ($62 M–$62.6 M). Budget estimates range $170 M–$175 M, and only one source mentions $75 M marketing spend. Warner Bros.’ precise target remains undisclosed.

Variety Magazine

The underperformance questions the DCU’s reliance on lesser-known heroes and may shift investment toward higher-profile projects such as the planned Deathstroke-Bane film and the *Man of Tomorrow* Superman sequel.

DC boss breaks silence on Supergirl's box office failure

DC Studios confirmed upcoming releases: a Deathstroke-Bane crossover, the R-rated *Clayface* project, and the *Man of Tomorrow* sequel. Safran’s comments indicate the studio will stay the course.

DC boss breaks silence on Supergirl's box office failure

• “I thought Milly Alcock was astonishing — fierce, strong and great comic timing!” — Helen Slater, Actress

Hollywood Reporter

• “It definitely made me aware that simply existing as a woman in that space is something that people comment on,” — Milly Alcock, Actress

The Christian Post

• “It’s from a lot of people whose profiles have no photo, who are burner accounts,” — Milly Alcock, Actress

The Christian Post

• “While Supergirl didn't meet our box office expectations, it's just one component of a broader, long-term strategy at DC Studios that we remain confident in.” — Peter Safran, Co-CEO & Chairman of DC Studios

DC boss breaks silence on Supergirl's box office failure

• “I know it didn’t do well because we didn’t make the second and third film,” — Helen Slater, Actress

Hollywood Reporter