James Gunn’s DC Universe is continuing to take shape, and the next major chapter will spotlight a version of Supergirl unlike any seen before. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, starring Milly Alcock, is set to arrive in theaters on June 26, 2026 — and early details suggest a far darker, more emotionally complex take on Kara Zor-El than the cheerful portrayals of the past.
Alcock’s Supergirl will make her first appearance in Gunn’s Superman, where she’s briefly introduced picking up her dog, Krypto. The moment was lighthearted, but according to writer Ana Nogueira, audiences shouldn’t expect the same tone to carry into her solo outing. The film draws heavily from Tom King’s acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, which reimagined Kara as a survivor shaped by deep trauma and isolation following Krypton’s destruction.
In an interview, Nogueira explained that she struggled with the traditionally optimistic version of Supergirl until she encountered King’s interpretation. “She watched Krypton completely be destroyed,” Nogueira said. “I was always like, ‘I can’t get my head around the version of the character that is so sunny.’ When I read [King’s comic], I was like, ‘There she is.’”
Directed by Craig Gillespie — known for I, Tonya, Cruella, and Dumb Money — the film follows Kara as she ventures through the galaxy alongside Krypto to celebrate her 21st birthday. Along the way, she meets a young woman named Ruthye Marye (Eve Ridley) and joins her on a violent quest for revenge. The journey is said to explore Kara’s anger, grief, and resilience, painting her as a warrior forged by loss rather than the hopeful symbol familiar to fans of earlier versions.
The supporting cast includes Jason Momoa as Lobo, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, David Krumholtz as Zor-El, and Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze. The ensemble hints at a cosmic, morally complex story that expands beyond traditional superhero narratives, aligning with Gunn’s broader goal of giving the DCU a more varied tonal and emotional range.
For Alcock — best known for her breakout role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon — the role represents a major leap into blockbuster territory. Her Supergirl is expected to contrast sharply with David Corenswet’s idealistic Superman, highlighting the differences between two survivors of Krypton raised under vastly different circumstances.
If Gunn’s Superman reintroduces hope to the DC Universe, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow looks poised to explore the emotional cost of survival. With Gillespie’s sharp direction and Nogueira’s grounded script, the film could redefine what audiences expect from DC’s cosmic heroes — offering a version of Kara Zor-El who’s not just powerful, but profoundly human.
