In the relentless pursuit of the perfect Supergirl for the DC Universe, director James Gunn is now one step closer to realizing his vision. The much-anticipated screen tests for the iconic role took place on January 23rd, narrowing down the potential candidates to two talented actresses: Milly Alcock and Meg Donnelly.
Milly Alcock, renowned for her portrayal of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon, and Meg Donnelly, known for her roles in Disney Channel’s Zombies and recent DC animated movies, underwent the crucial screen tests in Atlanta. The sessions were overseen by DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran, marking a pivotal moment in the selection process.
James Gunn and Superman
Gunn and Safran, who have been actively shaping DC Studios’ cinematic landscape since their collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery in late 2022, consider Supergirl a vital element of their overarching plans. The character, set to debut in Gunn’s Superman movie, “Superman: Legacy,” is destined to headline her own film, titled “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.”
The search for the perfect Supergirl has been a meticulous process, with earlier contenders including Cailee Spaeny and Emilia Jones. However, the spotlight now shines on Milly Alcock and Meg Donnelly, both of whom demonstrated their potential in the recent screen tests.
The upcoming Supergirl project, still in development, draws inspiration from Tom King’s 2021 and 2022 comic book mini-series, aiming to redefine Supergirl as a more complex and diverse character, distinct from a mere female counterpart to Superman.
Ana Nogueira is set to craft the script for this exciting venture, although the director’s seat remains vacant at the moment. Gunn’s vision for Supergirl deviates from traditional narratives, as he envisions her as a character raised on a fragment of Krypton, experiencing loss and hardship, making her a more jaded and unique superhero.
Notably absent from the potential cast is Sasha Calle, who previously portrayed Supergirl in last summer’s The Flash. DC Studios leaders cite a lack of interest in bringing back pre-existing DC stars, signaling a departure from Calle’s iteration of the character.
The eagerly anticipated “Superman: Legacy,” the kick-off to James Gunn‘s DCEU reboot, is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. Despite challenges such as writing and acting strikes last year, the film remains on track for its anticipated release.
As fans eagerly await for the chosen Supergirl, the success of “Superman: Legacy” is poised to set the stage for a revitalized DC Extended Universe, promising a fresh and compelling take on these iconic characters.
10 Movies directed by James Gunn
James Gunn, a versatile filmmaker known for his distinctive style and storytelling, has made a mark in the film industry with a diverse range of projects. Here are 10 notable movies directed by James Gunn:
- Slither (2006): A horror-comedy film, “Slither” marks Gunn’s directorial debut, featuring a small town facing an extraterrestrial threat that turns residents into mutant creatures.
- Super (2010): Gunn takes on the superhero genre with “Super,” a dark comedy-drama starring Rainn Wilson as an ordinary man who becomes a self-styled superhero, grappling with the complexities of vigilante justice.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Gunn catapulted into the mainstream with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directing “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This space adventure introduced a group of unlikely heroes, including Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Drax.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): Gunn returned to the director’s chair for the sequel, further exploring the dynamics of the Guardians as they uncover the mystery of Peter Quill’s parentage.
- The Belko Experiment (2016): Gunn wrote the screenplay for this horror thriller, directed by Greg McLean. The film revolves around a group of eighty American workers trapped in their office building and forced by an unknown voice on the intercom to participate in a deadly game.
- Brightburn (2019): Serving as a producer and co-writer, Gunn explores the superhero genre from a different angle in “Brightburn.” The film tells the story of a child with superhuman abilities who takes a dark and sinister turn.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): Gunn took the helm for the DC Extended Universe with “The Suicide Squad,” infusing his unique style into this antihero ensemble film that features a mix of new and returning characters from the previous installment.
- Dawn of the Dead (2004): While not a directorial project, Gunn made a significant impact with his screenplay for the 2004 remake of George A. Romero’s classic zombie film “Dawn of the Dead,” directed by Zack Snyder.
- Scooby-Doo (2002): Gunn wrote the screenplay for this live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series, blending humor and mystery as the Scooby-Doo gang investigates supernatural occurrences.
- Jungle Cruise (2021): Gunn served as an executive producer on this adventure film inspired by the Disney theme park attraction. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, “Jungle Cruise” follows a riverboat captain and a researcher on a quest through the Amazon jungle.