Supergirl Actor Hit With Prison Sentence, Fine & Driving Ban

Belgian authorities convicted actor Matthias Schoenaerts, who plays the villain in DC Studios’ upcoming Supergirl, for driving without a valid license. As a result, this legal development raises questions about how it might affect the DCU’s highly anticipated rollout. Consequently, his availability for promotion and press events could now be uncertain.

Six Months in Prison and One-Year Driving Ban for Supergirl Actor

According to VRT, the court issued the ruling in absentia, and Schoenaerts did not attend the hearing. The Beringen court handed down the following penalties:

6 months’ imprisonment
€4,000 fine
One-year driving ban
Mandatory retaking of all driving exams and recovery tests

Although convicted, the actor will not be jailed immediately and still retains the right to appeal the ruling. Moreover, legal experts suggest that an appeal could delay immediate imprisonment. Nevertheless, the driving restrictions and other obligations will still remain in effect.

Repeated Offenses

The conviction stems from two incidents on April 5 and April 21, 2024, where police caught Schoenaerts riding a motorbike without a valid license. Previously, in 2021, he was banned from driving due to a drug-related offense but never completed the required retesting. VRT reports that he has a total of 11 prior police court convictions, highlighting a concerning pattern of traffic violations.

Not Related to Last Week’s Arrest

This ruling is separate from Schoenaerts’ most recent arrest last week in Pelt. He was again stopped without a license, allegedly refused a breathalyzer test, and was described as “uncooperative.” That incident is expected to lead to a separate legal case. Fans and media outlets are closely following these events, as repeated offenses could further complicate his legal standing.

Possible Impact on the DCU’s Supergirl Rollout

Schoenaerts plays the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills in Supergirl, a film directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Mily Alcock alongside Jason Momoa as Lobo. The film is already generating debate over its tone and character portrayals. Warner Bros. may find this negative headline problematic, especially with marketing campaigns set to begin soon.

Notably, Supergirl is set to release on June 26, 2026. Schoenaerts’ 6-month prison term could affect his availability for press events or promotional activities, depending on the outcome of his appeal. The first footage from the film will debut at CCXP25 this weekend.

Industry insiders have noted that such legal controversies can sometimes overshadow a film’s release, creating challenges for studios. Meanwhile, fans have reacted in mixed ways online. Some express concern about the potential impact on the movie’s promotion. Others emphasize separating the actor’s personal life from his on-screen performance.

The ongoing legal issues surrounding Matthias Schoenaerts add uncertainty around the promotion and rollout of Supergirl. Fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring how the situation unfolds, and whether it will have tangible effects on the DCU’s upcoming plans. With the film less than a year away from release, the next few months could be crucial in determining the extent of the impact.