The second chapter of James Gunn’s DC Universe has arrived, and Supergirl is making waves—though perhaps not the kind Warner Bros. was hoping for. The film, starring Milly Alcock as a darker, more jaded Kara Zor-El, hit theaters on June 26, 2026, to a mixed critical reception but a surprisingly strong audience response. Here is everything you need to know about the film’s performance, what critics and fans are saying, and what this means for the future of the DCU.
Critical Reception: A Turbulent Takeoff
Supergirl currently holds a “Rotten” 58% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 197 reviews, which is significantly lower than its predecessor, Superman, and other DCU projects. Critics have been divided, with many praising the performances while criticizing the script and derivative elements.
Some reviews have pointed out the film’s reliance on genre clichés. One critic noted it lifts a plot point straight from Mad Max: Fury Road, and the soundtrack choices were described as “baffling.” The script has been called “the worst” by some reviewers, suggesting that despite the “punk rock” aspirations, the film struggles to find its footing.
However, there are positive takeaways. Empire gave the film 3/5 stars, praising the “artfully composed” flashbacks to Krypton and the “easy chemistry” between Alcock and David Corenswet’s Superman. IGN described it as a relief to see a DC film that tells a clear story without getting “bogged down in tangled subsidiary material.” The prevailing sentiment is that while flawed, Supergirl is a solid, character-driven entry with “glimmers of hope.”
Audience Response: A Different Story
While critics have been lukewarm, audiences are proving to be much kinder. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score currently sits at a 77%, a significant 19% jump from the critics’ score. This suggests that while the film may not be a critical darling, it is resonating with general moviegoers.
This 77% score puts it just below some box office disappointments like The Flash (81%), but it is a sign that word-of-mouth could help the film’s box office prospects. Fans have taken to social media to praise Milly Alcock’s performance and Jason Momoa’s scene-stealing turn as Lobo, with many calling the film a “grimy, funny, yet surprisingly somber space adventure.” One reviewer described it as throwing Guardians of the Galaxy, True Grit, and Mad Max into a “DC blender.”
Box Office: A Moderate Forecast
Despite the positive audience reception, box office projections are somewhat underwhelming. Supergirl is currently tracking to earn around $40 million domestically in its opening weekend, which is below the $55 million earned by The Flash and significantly lower than Superman’s $122 million opening. This is a worrying sign for the DCU’s second installment, especially given the film’s $175 million budget.
Some analysts believe the opening could be impacted by the mixed reviews and the holiday weekend skewing forecasts, but the consensus is that Supergirl is unlikely to match the box office success of its predecessor. To break even, the film will need a strong international performance and sustained word-of-mouth. The film also faces stiff competition from Toy Story 5 and the latest Jackass movie.
The Power of Jason Momoa’s Lobo
One of the undeniable highlights of Supergirl is Jason Momoa’s debut as the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo. Critics and fans alike have praised Momoa’s performance, noting that he is having the “time of his life” in the role. Lobo is described as an “immortal with a god complex” who serves as both a foil and an ally to Kara.
Momoa’s portrayal is so well-received that it has sparked immediate calls for a solo Lobo film. The actor himself has expressed interest, but with a catch: he would only do it if the film is rated R. This commitment to the character’s gritty, adult-oriented nature has excited fans and could open the door for more mature DCU projects in the future.
The “Hard R” Hoax and Its Aftermath
In a bizarre turn of events, a rumor claiming that director Craig Gillespie had confirmed a 3-hour “hard-R” cut of Supergirl went viral on social media. The rumor was eventually revealed to be a fake—a classic social media gag that used a real interview link with a fabricated quote. The hoax likely gained traction because of the divided reactions to the theatrical release, with some fans yearning for a darker, more violent version of the film.
While the “hard-R” cut is a joke, the film does have a history of edgier content. In 2023’s The Flash, actress Sasha Calle confirmed that some of her fight scenes were cut because they were “a little too rated R.” Furthermore, the theatrical version of Supergirl has been heavily censored in India, with the CBFC ordering the removal of several expletives and an offensive gesture to secure a “U/A 16+” certificate.
India Censorship: A Muted Version
For its release in India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) required significant modifications. The film was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate after several audio and visual cuts. The following were modified:
- Audio Modifications: Words like ‘screwed’, ‘b*h’, ‘balls’, and ‘whe’ were muted or deleted from both the dialogue track and subtitles.
- Visual Deletions: A visual of a character giving the middle finger was also ordered to be removed.
- Runtime: The final Indian version has a runtime of 109 minutes and 58 seconds.
This censorship has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans discussing whether such changes affect the overall viewing experience. The modifications are a notable departure from the film’s intended “punk rock” and unflinching tone.
Supergirl’s Ending and the DCU’s Future
Supergirl is a standalone film, but it also sets up the character’s future in the DCU. In the finale, Kara saves her dog Krypto and is convinced by Ruthye to not let vengeance consume her. She ultimately kills Krem herself to spare Ruthye’s soul. The film ends with Kara returning to Metropolis and reuniting with her cousin, Superman. She tells him she plans to stay on Earth this time, a decision that sets the stage for her next appearance.
Director Craig Gillespie has stated that the film is intended as a standalone “graphic novel,” but he is open to exploring more of Kara’s journey. Executive producer Lars P. Winther has confirmed that Kara will appear in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, where she will play a “big role.” James Gunn has also hinted that Kara’s “very, very different” personality from her cousin will put them at odds, which will be a major theme in Man of Tomorrow. The film does not have a post-credits scene, a deliberate choice by Gunn to move away from MCU-style teases.
Analysis of Creative Decisions
The film’s creative direction, inspired by the acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, was an intentional departure from traditional superhero tropes. The decision to make Kara a more jaded, antiheroic character allowed the film to explore themes of identity, resilience, and personal healing. However, critics have noted that the film’s ambition sometimes exceeds its execution, with the central plot being described as “cobbled together” from derivative elements. The addition of Lobo was a strategic move to inject humor and set up future projects, but some felt it was a deviation from the source material’s focus.
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The Pressing Question: Is the DCU in Trouble?
Supergirl’s mixed reception has put pressure on DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn. With a $175 million budget and a forecast of $300 million, the film is unlikely to be a massive financial success, though it likely won’t be a catastrophic failure. This puts the pressure on upcoming projects like Clayface and the 2027 Man of Tomorrow. Some industry observers are questioning Gunn’s judgment, pointing back to his praise for The Flash, which ultimately lost $200 million. However, the strong audience score suggests that Supergirl may be a slow-burn success, with word-of-mouth potentially driving its box office performance.
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