Supergirl Movie: James Gunn Calls It a 'Space Adventure' Like Guardians!

Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure! DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has dropped a major hint about the vibe of Milly Alcock's upcoming Supergirl movie, and it sounds pretty familiar to fans of his previous work.

TL;DR

James Gunn compares the upcoming Supergirl movie to his hit Marvel franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy, describing it as a "space adventure."
Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El, bringing a "hardcore" take on the hero, inspired by the acclaimed comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
The film is set to hit theaters on June 26, 2026, and boasts a stellar cast, including Jason Momoa making his DCU debut as the cosmic bounty hunter Lobo!

Unpacking James Gunn's Galactic Tease for the Supergirl Film

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 3

Alright, DC fans, listen up! While we're all eagerly awaiting the next big steps in the DC Universe, James Gunn, the man steering the ship, has given us a super exciting peek into what to expect from the solo Supergirl movie. And his description? It’s got everyone buzzing, especially if you loved his work over at Marvel.

Talking to Rolling Stone, Gunn didn't hold back, directly comparing the tone of Supergirl to one of his most beloved creations. Get ready for this:

"Supergirl especially is a space adventure. It's like Guardians."

— James Gunn

Yeah, you read that right. "It's like Guardians." For many, those words instantly conjure images of a vibrant, cosmic landscape, quirky characters, a killer soundtrack, and that perfect blend of heart and humor Gunn is famous for. While he's not directing this one (that honor goes to Craig Gillespie), his vision as co-CEO means his fingerprints will definitely be all over it. This comparison promises a potentially fresh, fun, and expansive take on Kara Zor-El, setting her apart in the new DCU.

Introducing a More Intense and Experienced Kara Zor-El

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 4

This isn't your grandma's Supergirl, folks. Milly Alcock, who you might recognize from House of the Dragon, is stepping into the super-suit as Kara Zor-El, and it sounds like she’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Gunn himself has emphasized that this Supergirl will be vastly different from her famous cousin, Superman.

Unlike Clark, who landed on Earth as an infant and was raised by loving parents, Kara experienced the tragic destruction of Krypton firsthand. As Gunn put it, she was "raised on a rock, a chip off Krypton, and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life." This backstory means we’re getting a "much more hardcore" hero, someone far from the typically sunny depictions we've seen before.

Screenwriter Ana Nogueira (who penned the script for Supergirl) also found this grittier take compelling when diving into the source material. She admitted struggling with a "sunny" Supergirl given Kara's traumatic past, but when reading the comics, she found the character she connected with. This darker, more complex Kara is definitely going to make for a compelling watch!

The Comic Book Roots: Diving into Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 5

So, where is this "hardcore space adventure" coming from? The movie is heavily inspired by Tom King and Bilquis Evely's critically acclaimed 2021 miniseries, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. This comic is a cosmic odyssey that sees Kara, along with her loyal dog Krypto, embark on a quest through space. She meets Ruthye Marye Knoll, a vengeful young alien girl seeking justice for her father's death at the hands of Krem of the Yellow Hills.

This storyline provides a rich foundation for the "space adventure" vibe Gunn is teasing. It’s full of unique alien worlds, moral complexities, and plenty of action, all told from a unique perspective. Knowing the film pulls from this specific, beloved comic only amps up the excitement for what Craig Gillespie and Ana Nogueira will bring to the big screen.

Speaking of her cameo, we already got a taste of Milly Alcock's Kara in the Superman movie (yes, the one with David Corenswet!). She drunkenly crashed into the Fortress of Solitude, giving a rather rude "thank you" to Clark for "babysitting" Krypto. Expect to see more of that scene-stealing super-dog in her solo adventure!

An Assembled Cosmic Crew: Meet the Stellar Cast of Supergirl

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 6

A space adventure is only as good as its crew, and Supergirl is lining up some fantastic talent alongside Milly Alcock. Here's a look at some of the key players we know are joining the journey:

Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl
Jason Momoa as Lobo – Yes, the Aquaman star is back in the DCU, but this time as the fan-favorite cosmic bounty hunter!
Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills – The central antagonist from the comic!
Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll – The young alien seeking justice.
David Krumholtz as Zor-El – Kara's father.
Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze – Kara's mother.

This ensemble promises a dynamic mix of characters, from powerful heroes and anti-heroes to compelling villains and new allies. Momoa's inclusion as Lobo is particularly exciting, promising a chaotic and charismatic presence in Kara's cosmic quest.

Supergirl's Crucial Role in the DCU's "Gods and Monsters" Chapter

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 7

Supergirl isn't just a standalone adventure; it's a vital piece of the larger DC Universe tapestry. It's part of Chapter 1, titled "Gods and Monsters," and is slated to be the second theatrical film release in this new era, following Superman. Gunn has made it clear that while each project will "stand out on its own," they are all interconnected, contributing to a "longer, sort of a bigger world."

This means Kara's adventures will undoubtedly influence future DCU projects. We know other exciting titles like the Lanterns TV show (arriving early 2027 on HBO Max) and the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow (which might feature Brainiac as a villain) are also in the works, all contributing to this grand narrative Gunn is building.

Addressing Fan Concerns: A Unique Vision Amidst Shared Tones?

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 8

While Gunn's comparison to Guardians of the Galaxy has sparked enthusiasm, it has also brought up some ongoing discussions among fans. Some have voiced concerns that Gunn's DCU projects might all lean into a similar "goofy" tone or formula, citing similarities in his past works like Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker (whose Season 2 finale apparently drew some criticism for a lack of major reveals).

Gunn has acknowledged that "not everyone can love everything" and that he understands differing opinions. However, it's worth remembering that while Gunn guides the overall DCU vision, Supergirl has its own director, Craig Gillespie, and writer, Ana Nogueira. This suggests that while it may share a cosmic, adventurous spirit with Guardians, it will also have its own unique creative voice and style. The commitment to adapting Woman of Tomorrow, a story known for its poignant and often dark themes, further hints at a nuanced approach.

For now, fans can re-watch all existing DCU content, including Peacemaker and classics, with an HBO Max subscription (plans start from $9.99 a month!).

Ready for Lift-Off: Mark Your Calendars!

James Gunn Teases Supergirl as a Cosmic Ride: "It's Like Guardians!" image 9

With a compelling character, a stellar creative team, and a promise of cosmic adventure, Supergirl is shaping up to be a truly exciting entry into the DCU. We can't wait to see Milly Alcock take flight and explore the vastness of space in a story that’s both epic and deeply personal. Get ready to witness a Supergirl like you've never seen before!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Supergirl Movie Q: When does the Supergirl movie release in theaters? A: Supergirl is officially slated to hit theaters on June 26, 2026. Q: Who is directing the upcoming Supergirl movie? A: The film is being directed by Craig Gillespie. Q: What comic book story is the Supergirl movie based on? A: The movie draws heavily from the 2021 miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. Q: Will Jason Momoa be in the Supergirl movie? A: Yes! Jason Momoa is confirmed to appear in Supergirl as the cosmic bounty hunter, Lobo. Sources