'Supergirl' hits cinemas today, featuring David Corenswet's Superman in a far more substantial role than many fans anticipated. Director Craig Gillespie revealed that the Man of Steel serves as a key influence on Kara Zor-El's journey throughout the film, with multiple appearances including flashbacks exploring her arrival on Earth and early interactions with her famous cousin.
Superman as Moral Guide
Gillespie described the pair's relationship as having an 'older sibling' dynamic, with Clark Kent patiently supporting Kara as she struggles to find her place in the universe. One sequence reportedly shows Superman helping Kara adjust to life on Earth and overcome the language barrier. While the film remains centred on Milly Alcock's Kara Zor-El, Superman acts as a moral guide throughout the story.
Plot and Performances
The film follows Kara on an intergalactic adventure after a young alien girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll, seeks her help avenging her family. Along the way, Supergirl confronts her own trauma and questions what kind of hero she wants to become, with Superman serving as a reminder of the ideals she has yet to embrace. Alcock praised Corenswet's support during production, particularly while tackling the film's fictional languages and emotionally demanding scenes.
Improvisation and Cinematography
Gillespie revealed that Corenswet improvised several of his lines, helping to create a natural and believable bond between the Kryptonian cousins. Principal photography began on January 13, 2025, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and London, with Rob Hardy as cinematographer using IMAX cameras. Gillespie said the cinematography during action sequences would reflect Kara Zor-El's emotional state, with anger associated with 'frenetically messy, aggressive kind of camera work' and relaxation with a 'more fluid' style. An action sequence involved practical 40-foot fireballs and Jason Momoa using a real motorcycle while portraying Lobo.
Development History
The film is based on the acclaimed 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow' comic series and stars Alcock alongside Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Jason Momoa as Lobo. Oren Uziel was hired by Warner Bros. Pictures in August 2018 to write a Supergirl film, as the studio sought new approaches to the DC Extended Universe after several critical and commercial disappointments. Development was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the project was quietly canceled in August 2022 under Warner Bros. Discovery's restructuring. James Gunn and Peter Safran were announced as co-CEOs of DC Studios in October 2022, leading to the film's revival. Early reports suggest the film will help lay groundwork for future DC Universe projects, including the upcoming 'Man of Tomorrow', which will reunite Supergirl and Superman on screen.
