The next major chapter in the revitalized DC Universe (DCU) is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the Daughter of Krypton. Supergirl’s next big-screen adventure is set to be a faithful, yet fresh, adaptation of a critically acclaimed comic, positioning Kara Zor-El as a central pillar of the new cinematic franchise. Here is a definitive breakdown of everything we know so far about the Supergirl movie, covering its official release date, the confirmed cast, and an in-depth look at the compelling source material for its plot.
Supergirl Movie Release Date: When Will the DCU’s New Hero Fly In?
Fans won’t have to wait too much longer to see the Kryptonian cousin of Superman take center stage.
The Supergirl movie is officially scheduled to debut worldwide on June 26, 2026.
This release is strategically timed within the new DCU slate, arriving approximately one year after the release of James Gunn’s Superman film. As the fourth major DCU project in “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” (following Creature Commandos Season 1, Superman, and Lanterns), Supergirl is crucial to establishing the foundational heroes of this interconnected cinematic universe.
While principal photography has already wrapped (as confirmed by director/producer James Gunn via Threads), the film is currently deep into its complex post-production phase. This includes intensive visual effects work required for Kryptonian powers and cosmic locations.
Will There Be a Trailer Soon?
As of now, an official trailer for the Supergirl movie has not been released. However, major industry conventions are typically where DC Studios unveils its first looks.
- Potential Showcase: According to industry reports, DC Studios is expected to showcase the Supergirl film at a major convention in the fall/autumn (or spring for the Southern Hemisphere).
- Likely Venues: While a New York Comic-Con (NYCC) 2025 panel seems unlikely based on early schedules, the most anticipated venue for a teaser debut is Brazil Comic-Con (CCXP), which takes place in December.
We will update this section immediately upon the release of the official trailer or any official behind-the-scenes footage.
Supergirl Cast: The Stars Bringing the DC Hero to Life
The core cast for the Supergirl movie includes a mix of rising stars and established actors, suggesting a strong focus on character-driven storytelling alongside the cosmic action.
| Character | Actor | Role Details and Prior Work |
| Kara Zor-El / Supergirl | Milly Alcock | The film’s protagonist. Alcock is best known for her critically acclaimed role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 2 and made a memorable, brief, and “amusingly rude” cameo in the post-credits sequence of Superman, which established her character’s immediate presence in the DCU. |
| Ruthye Marye Knoll | Eve Ridley | A young alien warrior whose quest drives the plot. Ridley is a relative newcomer, emphasizing the importance of this specific character in the narrative. |
| Krem | Matthias Schoenaerts | The space pirate and key antagonist the main characters pursue. Schoenaerts is an acclaimed Belgian actor known for roles in Rust and Bone and Red Sparrow. |
| Lobo | Jason Momoa | The fan-favorite cosmic anti-hero and Main Man. James Gunn confirmed that Lobo will be a vital part of the film’s story, a change from the graphic novel source material. Momoa previously portrayed Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the DCEU. |
| Zor-El | David Krumholtz | Kara’s biological father from Krypton. Krumholtz is known for roles in Numb3rs and Oppenheimer. |
| Alura In-Ze | Emily Beecham | Kara’s biological mother. Beecham is an actress known for Into the Badlands and Little Joe. |
This list highlights the focus on characters directly involved in the central narrative adapted from the source material. For more details on the cast and their roles, be sure to check out our dedicated Supergirl character guide.
Supergirl Plot: A Deep Dive into Woman of Tomorrow
While an official, detailed story synopsis is not yet available, we know with certainty that the Supergirl movie will draw heavily, and nearly directly, from the acclaimed graphic novel, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
The Woman of Tomorrow Blueprint
The original comicbook series, written by Tom King and drawn by Bilquis Evely (which ran from June 2021 to February 2022), provides the complete roadmap for the film’s narrative:
- A Shared Quest: The story begins when Kara Zor-El, feeling lost and disconnected on her 21st birthday, is approached by a young alien girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll.
- The Target: Ruthye enlists Kara’s help in tracking down Krem, a ruthless space pirate who is responsible for the death of her father.
- A Different Perspective: Crucially, the comic is not told from Kara’s point of view. Instead, the entire narrative is filtered through the eyes and narration of Ruthye. This structural choice provides a unique perspective on Supergirl, presenting her as a legendary, almost mythical figure, rather than just the hero next door. It will be fascinating to see if director Craig Gillespie chooses to retain this narrative framing device for the live-action adaptation.
Key Changes and Additions
The creative team has indicated that the movie will be a near-identical retelling of the graphic novel, though two significant changes have already been confirmed:
- The Title: The film’s title was initially Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, but James Gunn confirmed in mid-June that the subtitle was dropped, simplifying the title to just Supergirl.
- The Main Man: Lobo was originally intended to be a part of the Woman of Tomorrow comic but was ultimately cut late in the process. Gunn has not only reinstated him for the film adaptation but emphasized that the fan-favorite mercenary will be vital to how the story plays out. His inclusion hints at a potentially darker, more chaotic tone for segments of the film.
Given the graphic novel’s dark, gritty, and somewhat mature themes—including violence, revenge, and ethical dilemmas—the film is expected to push the boundaries of a typical superhero blockbuster. In August, Gunn dropped a strong hint that the movie will carry a PG-13 rating in the US. This rating aligns with the source material’s mature approach, confirming it won’t be a purely “family-friendly” outing.
The Broader DCU Impact and Future
The Supergirl movie is not merely a standalone adventure; it’s a foundational piece of the entire DC Universe structure.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) CEO David Zaslav has positioned Kara Zor-El as one of the four “big asset builders” for the nascent cinematic franchise, alongside Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. This statement confirms that this first solo movie is just the beginning of Kara’s extended arc.
Her brief, yet impactful, DCU introduction occurred during the post-credits sequence of Superman, where she crash-landed at the Fortress of Solitude, showcasing her comic-accurate costume and dynamic personality. The positive reception to this debut, coupled with Gunn’s enthusiasm for Milly Alcock’s “absolutely stunning” performance, suggests Kara will quickly become a fan-favorite and a pivotal player in future DCU crossovers and team-ups.
Following Supergirl, the DCU slate includes Clayface, a small-budget horror film penciled in for September. While the horror project is unlikely to have direct ties to Kara’s cosmic story, its diverse nature shows the wide-ranging scope being built around this new generation of DC heroes, with Kara Zor-El serving as its cosmic anchor.