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Raskin Cut Beats Gillespie Version; Supergirl Flops Amid Director Clash

7/4/2026

Summary

Raskin Outperforms

The version cut by Fred Raskin outperformed the Gillespie-edited version by two points in test screenings.
Supergirl opened on June 26 in the United States and earned $37.1 million, a box-office shortfall.
Creative conflict between director Nia Gillespie and DC Studios producer James Gunn escalated by December 2025.
Test audiences praised pacing and song choices in both cuts, while fans wonder whether a “Gillespie Cut” will be released.

Summary

Gunn Leads DC

James Gunn serves as co-CEO of DC Studios while continuing to direct its films.
Warner Bros. could be bought by David Ellison’s Paramount, raising the stakes for DC Studios.
Gunn and co-head Michael Safran’s contracts may expire in late 2026 or 2027, influencing future planning.
The slate includes Clayface, Man of Tomorrow (July 9 2027), Jimmy Olsen and Mr Terrific series.
Executives warn that Gen Z’s waning interest in superheroes could hurt the genre’s profitability.

Summary

Gunn Clashes

The clash between James Gunn and Craig Gillespie began after principal photography when a Gillespie cut and a studio cut were assembled.
Test-screening scores for the Supergirl DCU installment never rose above the 70s, staying in the 60s.
Post-production was reported to have never found its footing, contributing to the film’s troubled development.
Despite the disagreements, insiders said Gunn and Gillespie respect each other’s filmmaking chops, calling the friction “healthy.”

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Raskin Outperforms

The version cut by Fred Raskin outperformed the Gillespie-edited version by two points in test screenings.
Supergirl opened on June 26 in the United States and earned $37.1 million, a box-office shortfall.
Creative conflict between director Nia Gillespie and DC Studios producer James Gunn escalated by December 2025.
Test audiences praised pacing and song choices in both cuts, while fans wonder whether a “Gillespie Cut” will be released.

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