Supergirl's Production Turmoil and Box-Office Failure

DC Studios flagged problems with Supergirl months before its June 26, 2026 release. After filming ended in May 2025, the studio and director concluded the film was not working, prompting a studio-edited version that replaced Craig Gillespie’s longer cut for theatrical distribution.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

Internal test screenings in early 2025 yielded divergent scores: the studio’s cut averaged low-70s, while Gillespie’s 11-minute longer version scored in the 60s. To address narrative and musical concerns, the studio enlisted screenwriter Jeremy Slater and original writer Ana Nogueira for additional filming, revising the climactic fight.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

Director Craig Gillespie oversaw principal photography; co-head James Gunn, though not directing, selected the final song. Jeremy Slater and Ana Nogueira contributed post-production rewrites, while editors Tatiana S. Riegel and Fred Raskin shaped the studio cut.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

• May 2025 – Production wrapped.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

• February 2025 – Test screening featuring a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

• Fall 2025 – Studio and director agree the film is not working; studio cut finalized.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

• June 26 2026 – Theatrical release.

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

The studio cut achieved low-70 test scores, edging Gillespie’s version by two points. After opening, second-weekend earnings fell by over 70%, and worldwide gross topped $100 million. Rotten Tomatoes lists a 54% rating from 333 critic reviews; CinemaScore indicated lukewarm audience response.

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

As the first DCU title released without James Gunn directing, Supergirl’s commercial shortfall raises questions about the studio’s development strategy and its capacity to sustain the broader DC Universe franchise.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

DC Studios publicly acknowledged early concerns about tone and pacing, stating that a distinct studio-edited cut was necessary to meet franchise standards. Executives confirmed the decision to release the studio version after comparative test screenings.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

Critical reception was mixed, reflected in a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score and tepid CinemaScore feedback. While many reviewers highlighted narrative and tonal issues, Matt Morrison of SuperHeroHype praised the film as a worthy entry in the DCU canon.

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

Sources differ on exact test-screening results—some cite averages in the 60s, others claim the studio cut reached low-70s. Accounts of the director-studio relationship also vary, with some describing a lack of creative alignment and others deeming the tension normal.

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

• "The song was reportedly chosen by James Gunn, who is known for using needle drops successfully in his films." — The Hollywood Reporter

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

• "The film suffered a catastrophic 74.1% drop in its second weekend, and has grossed more than $100 million worldwide." — The Hollywood Reporter

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

• "Supergirl has a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 333 reviews." — The Hollywood Reporter

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

• "SuperHeroHype’s Matt Morrison liked the film, calling it a “worthy entry in the DCU canon.” — Matt Morrison, SuperHeroHype

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening

• "Some report that they were not “creatively aligned,” while others say the dispute was normal and healthy." — The Hollywood Reporter

DC Studios Knew Supergirl Was in Serious Trouble Months Before Box Office Bomb — Report

Milly Alcock will reprise Supergirl in the upcoming DCU film *Man of Tomorrow*.

Supergirl’s Most-Criticized Scene Was Different in Test Screening