In a groundbreaking revelation that’s set the superhero world ablaze, director Craig Gillespie and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn have confirmed that the upcoming Supergirl film will unfold entirely in outer space. “The whole movie takes place in outer space,” Gillespie declared, emphasizing, “So it’s a very different world to start with; we had a completely blank slate.” Gunn echoed the excitement, describing it as “a space fantasy” that allows for uncharted creative freedom. This cosmic shift marks a radical departure from previous Supergirl stories and even contrasts sharply with the Earth-bound optimism of 2025’s Superman, promising a darker, grittier interstellar adventure when the film arrives in theaters on June 26, 2026.
At the heart of this bold vision is Milly Alcock, the Australian actress best known for her fierce portrayal of young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Alcock steps into the iconic cape as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, delivering a version of the character that’s far removed from the sunny, hopeful depictions fans have seen before. This Supergirl is battle-hardened and complex—a survivor scarred by witnessing the destruction of her homeworld and the deaths of those around her during her formative years on a fragment of Krypton. As Gunn has often highlighted, the key difference lies in their upbringings: while Kal-El was raised from infancy by loving Earth parents, instilling unwavering hope, Kara endured years of trauma, emerging jaded and reluctant to embrace heroism.
The story draws heavy inspiration from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed 2021-2022 comic miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, often hailed as a modern masterpiece for its mature, emotional depth. In this adaptation, Kara embarks on a galaxy-spanning journey, accompanied by her loyal Krypto the Superdog. She crosses paths with Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), a young alien girl seeking vengeance against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), the ruthless outlaw who murdered her father. What starts as a reluctant alliance evolves into a murderous quest for revenge, blending elements of a space western with profound themes of grief, justice, and self-discovery.
Gillespie’s direction brings a fresh stylistic flair, drawing from his acclaimed films like I, Tonya and Cruella, which excel at portraying flawed, compelling antiheroes. He describes the project as a “road movie” through the cosmos, infused with darker tones that candidly explore Kara’s baggage. Influences from classics like True Grit and Logan shine through, positioning Supergirl as a grizzled mentor figure to the determined Ruthye. Yet, it’s not all grim—Kara’s coping mechanisms include seeking out red-sun planets where her powers fade, allowing her to indulge in earthly vices like getting drunk, adding irreverent humor and humanity to her character.
This space-centric setting liberates the film from Earthly constraints, enabling breathtaking visuals of alien worlds, bizarre civilizations, and vast cosmic landscapes. With no ties to Metropolis or familiar landmarks, Gillespie and his team crafted entirely new environments from scratch—a “blank slate” that expands the DC Universe into thrilling, uncharted territory. Gunn has praised this approach, noting it allows each DCU film to feel like its own unique graphic novel, distinct in tone and style.
The ensemble cast adds layers of intrigue. David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham portray Kara’s parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, offering glimpses into her tragic Kryptonian past. Jason Momoa makes his DCU debut as the chaotic space biker Lobo, injecting wild energy and potential alliances (or conflicts) into Kara’s path. The trailer teases high-stakes action: interstellar chases, brutal confrontations, and Kara’s internal struggle as she grapples with vengeance versus true heroism.
Screenwriter Ana Nogueira’s script elevates the source material, diverging where needed to suit cinematic pacing while preserving the comic’s emotional core. Gunn has called it one of the best pitches he’s ever heard, greenlighting it swiftly for its raw power. Alcock’s performance is already generating Oscar buzz, capturing Kara’s “pixie-ish but very attitudinal” vibe—a flawed antihero who’s messy, relatable, and profoundly human despite her godlike abilities.
As the second feature in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Supergirl bridges the hopeful Earth story of Superman with broader cosmic threats. Kara’s brief, humorous cameo in that film—crashing into the Fortress of Solitude, reuniting with Krypto, and flying off—sets up her independent journey perfectly. This standalone epic positions her as a counterpoint to her cousin: where he embodies hope, she confronts harsh truths, making her evolution into a true hero all the more earned.
Filming wrapped earlier in 2025, with principal photography in the UK capturing the film’s intimate yet expansive feel. Post-production is honing the visuals, promising stunning space sequences that rival the best sci-fi epics. The teaser trailer, with its gritty aesthetic and pulsating energy, has drawn comparisons to Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy for its space-opera vibes, but with a uniquely DC edge—darker, more introspective, and unflinchingly honest about trauma.
In an era where superhero films often play it safe, Supergirl dares to venture far from home, both literally and figuratively. It’s a story of a woman finding purpose amid the stars, mentoring the next generation while healing her own wounds. With its all-space setting freeing the narrative from expectations, this could be the DCU’s most innovative entry yet—a space fantasy that’s epic in scope but intimate in heart.
As release approaches, excitement builds for Alcock’s transformative take, Gillespie’s visionary direction, and Gunn’s overarching guidance. Supergirl isn’t just another cape flick; it’s a reinvention, proving the Girl of Steel can shine brightest in the deepest voids of space.
