Supergirl wrapped filming this past May. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by “The Vampire Diaries” star Ana Nogueira with contributions from comic book writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely, the movie is based on the 2021-2022 series of the same name.
The adaptation reimagines Supergirl as a more jaded character who has watched her homeland slowly crumble before her eyes. It leans into the trauma of her upbringing to offer a deeper origin story than previous films.
Plot Expectations
As the second film in the new DC Universe, Supergirl should help solidify its tone and cosmic scope. Unfortunately, the movie struggles to do so, largely because of a script that smacks of an unfinished draft. One of the big problems is that Supergirl spends too much time frolicking with her poorly shoehorned in love interest while a city is in peril.
Similarly, there are a number of logic holes in the story. For example, during a climactic scene involving a runaway construction vehicle that is magically controlled by another character, Lucy (Maureen Teefy) throws herself into danger to try and take control of it. Meanwhile, Kara/Linda just stands around. She even takes a couple of minutes to look at the vehicle before taking action.
The main villain in the story is a witch named Selena (Faye Dunaway). Her weapon is an Omegahedron, which can give her the power of the yellow sun that powers Superman. Her goal is to use it for global domination. Supergirl tries to stop her, but the evil Selena is way ahead of her.
Matthias Schoenaerts and Emily Beecham portray Kryptonians Zor-El and Alura in flashback scenes. The movie also has a scene with Christopher Reeve, who has been confirmed for a cameo as Superman. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow also features Jason Momoa as the Czarnian bounty hunter Lobo. His addition to the cast guarantees a wilder and more unpredictable cosmic journey for the adaptation.
Ana Nogueira’s Adaptation
The new DC film franchise is starting with a bang. Director James Gunn has signed on to direct a Superman reboot, while producer Peter Safran is taking charge of the studio?s overall film and television operations. Both men are aiming to make the DC movies more like Marvel Studios? blockbusters, with streamlined stories that connect across different projects.
The first movie to benefit from this change in leadership will be Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The standalone film will center on the Kryptonian cousin of Superman and her superdog, Krypto. The film will be based on Tom King?s 2021 comic of the same name.
As an actor, Nogueira has appeared in a number of TV shows, including The Michael J Fox Show and the crime drama Hightown. She also has a few theatrical credits to her name, including a workshop production of Youngblood with the Ensemble Studio Theatre.
Nogueira has written for the screen before, having worked on the spinoff film The Flash in 2022. It was this work that caught the attention of Gunn and Safran, who have since hired Nogueira to an overall DC writing deal. The pair have been working to retool the entire franchise in order to recover from the failed Superman and Justice League films. Their plans include a more streamlined narrative with a focus on characters that are able to stand out from the rest of the offerings.
Casting News
As previously reported, actress Milly Alcock has landed the coveted role of Kara Zor-El for the film. The movie will mark her first film under the new DC Studios banner, spearheaded by James Gunn. The studio has a slate of movies planned that will heavily reboot previous DC Extended Universe arcs.
According to sources, Alcock beat out actress Emilia Jones and Meg Donnelly for the role. All three had taken screen tests in Atlanta, but it was Alcock who emerged the winner. Her experience with Game of Thrones spinoff House of Dragon also helped her stand out.
Fans will remember that when Kara first met Ruthye in the comics, they traveled the universe in search of the evil-doers who destroyed Krypton. They were joined by a space pirate named Krem of the Yellow Hills, and their quest was an emotional one for both women.
The pair witnessed the destruction caused by the marauders, which made it difficult for them to decide if revenge was justified. It is this moral question and the bond that develops between Kara and Ruthye that could make this the ultimate DCU tear-jerker.
Matthias Schoenaerts is also in final negotiations to join the cast as a villain. He will be a rival for Supergirl, and his character is reportedly the leader of Krem of the Yellow Hills.
Fan Theories
In addition to introducing viewers to a superpowered young woman who believes that the best way to solve problems is through love and empathy, Supergirl also offers a healthy dose of social-justice themes. The show addresses issues like immigration, discrimination, and prejudice while promoting themes of diversity and inclusivity. Supergirl isn’t afraid to tackle some darker topics, as well, such as Kara’s struggle with depression. The show is unafraid to explore the darker side of a hero who lost her entire world as a child, and it takes full advantage of Milly Alcock’s incredible talent as a female lead who refuses to accept the status quo.
While the show has received polarizing reviews, its audience is undeniably enthusiastic about it. The premiere drew in more viewers than any other new drama this fall, and the series has consistently ranked as one of the top TV shows on CBS. Supergirl is also bucking the narrative that superhero movies must appeal to young men and boys, as its gender-neutral storytelling has resonated with a wide audience across all ages.
As for the future, James Gunn is incredibly excited about taking on a DC Universe that has largely been dominated by male characters and he can’t wait to introduce audiences to Kara Zor-El. The director has a number of projects in the pipeline, including his big-screen reboot of Superman with David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, as well as the new Green Lanterns movie with Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.