Here’s a bold statement: adapting a superhero with decades of lore without being a die-hard fan might just be the secret sauce for a fresh take. But here’s where it gets controversial—Supergirl director Craig Gillespie admits he dove into the film’s script before even cracking open the Woman of Tomorrow comic series. Could this approach redefine how we view superhero adaptations? Let’s dive in.
The DC Universe is set to expand in 2026 with Supergirl, a film that’s already sparking conversations. Written by Ana Nogueira and starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, the movie is helmed by Gillespie, known for his work on I, Tonya and Cruella. This time, he’s tackling an adaptation of Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s 2021 miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. While Jason Momoa’s Lobo adds a twist, the film is expected to stay true to its source material—a rarity in superhero cinema.
Adapting a character as iconic as Kara Zor-El is no small feat, especially for someone unfamiliar with her backstory. And this is the part most people miss—Gillespie wasn’t steeped in Supergirl’s lore before taking on the project. Instead, he relied on Nogueira’s screenplay as his primary guide. During a press conference, he explained, ‘I very deliberately read Ana’s script before the comic, because I wanted to see how it stood on its own.’ This approach, he argues, made him the ideal audience: someone who could ask questions a seasoned fan might take for granted.
Gillespie praised Nogueira’s adaptation, noting, ‘She took the narrative to a different place. It’s not just a page-to-screen transfer—it’s a reimagining.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Does a director need to be a fan to create a great superhero film, or can an outsider’s perspective bring something unique?
Historically, superhero films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Batman v Superman have borrowed elements from comics but rarely stuck to a single storyline. Supergirl, however, seems poised to break that mold. Nogueira herself initially struggled with the character’s traditional portrayal, telling Variety, ‘I couldn’t wrap my head around the sunny version of Supergirl until I read *Woman of Tomorrow. It’s rougher, grittier, and funnier—that’s when I found her.’*
This film isn’t just another superhero flick; it’s a milestone for DC Studios and the genre. By closely adapting a specific comic run, it’s setting a new standard. But will it satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers? Here’s the controversial part—some might argue that straying too far from the source material is a betrayal, while others believe creative freedom is essential. Where do you stand?
Supergirl is set to soar into theaters on June 26, 2026. With Gillespie’s fresh perspective, Nogueira’s bold adaptation, and Alcock’s star power, it’s shaping up to be a game-changer. But the real question is: Can an outsider truly capture the essence of a beloved character? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
