First Look: DC’s ‘Supergirl’ Trailer Unleashes Bold New Vision
“He sees the good in everyone. And I see the truth.”
With that one line, DC fans, we have a whole new kind of Kryptonian. The first official trailer for “Supergirl” has landed, and it’s painting a picture of a character who is anything but a carbon copy of her famous cousin. Following a special preview event in Manhattan hosted by DC Studios masterminds James Gunn and Peter Safran, the world is getting its first real look at Milly Alcock’s gritty and complex take on Kara Zor-El.
Set to the iconic sounds of Blondie’s “Call Me,” the trailer immediately establishes a darker, more cynical tone for our hero. We find a bleary-eyed Kara celebrating a lonely birthday, muttering to her super-dog Krypto, “Twenty-three will be the best year yet… Let’s be honest, babe. It’s not a very high bar to clear.” This isn’t the bright-eyed, optimistic hero we might expect. This is a Supergirl hardened by experience, carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders.
What’s the Story of Woman of Tomorrow?
Director Craig Gillespie, known for bringing complex female anti-heroes to life in films like “I, Tonya” and “Cruella,” made it clear that this is a core part of the film’s identity. “This is really an anti-hero story,” he explained at a private Manhattan viewing party. “She’s got a lot of baggage and a lot of demons coming into this, which is very different from where Superman is in his life.”
The script, penned by Ana Nogueira, is inspired by Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s critically acclaimed comic series, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” In this adaptation, a disillusioned Kara embarks on a cosmic quest for vengeance on behalf of a young alien girl named Ruthye, whose father was murdered. The trailer gives us glimpses of this journey, showcasing grungy, lived-in alien worlds that feel reminiscent of Gunn’s own “Guardians of the Galaxy” aesthetic. It’s a far cry from the gleaming skyscrapers of Metropolis.
Meet the Cast of Supergirl
Milly Alcock, who skyrocketed to fame as the fiery young Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon,” is bringing that same intensity to Kara Zor-El. James Gunn revealed he had Alcock in mind for the role even before he officially took the reins at DC, recognizing her unique screen presence. “So many times female superheroes are so perfect,” Gunn said. “She’s not that at all. She’s very imperfect, like male superheroes have been allowed to be for a while.”
And what a supporting cast! We get our first, fleeting look at Jason Momoa as the cigar-chomping, motorcycle-riding bounty hunter, Lobo. The Main Man is set to play a significant role, and seeing him in action is a geek dream come true. Rounding out the ensemble are Matthias Schoenaerts as the film’s main villain, Krem of the Yellow Hills, Eve Ridley as the determined young Ruthye, and David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as Supergirl’s parents.
A New Direction for the DCU
This film marks a pivotal moment for Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe. After the massive success of Superman, the pressure is on, but the duo seems confident. Safran noted that they’re “just getting started,” and Supergirl is poised to show the true range and diversity of stories they plan to tell. It’s not just a “female clone of Superman,” as Gunn puts it, but a distinct character worthy of her own epic, complex, and emotionally charged story.
With its punk-rock attitude, emotionally scarred hero, and cosmic road-trip vibe, “Supergirl” is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unconventional comic book movies on the horizon. Get ready, because Kara Zor-El is here, and she’s not pulling any punches.
“Supergirl” is set to fly into theaters on June 26, 2026.
