The 2026 summer blockbuster season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Films like Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey are already generating huge anticipation. Among them, Supergirl stands out as one of DC Studios’ most highly awaited releases.
Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the film builds on the foundation James Gunn established with Superman. It also expands the DC Universe introduced through TV projects such as Peacemaker and Creature Commandos.
With a new filmmaker guiding the story, expectations are higher than ever. Fans are curious to see how Craig Gillespie will bring a fresh perspective to the DC Universe while respecting the foundations Gunn established.
Milly Alcock Steps Into Kara Zor-El’s Role
A recently released first look via USA Today gives fans an early glimpse of Milly Alcock as Supergirl. Alcock, best known for her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, now steps into her breakout feature film role as Kara Zor-El.
Interestingly, much of the first trailer showed Supergirl outside of her traditional costume, revealing the suit only briefly at the end. This creative choice reflects Kara’s unique upbringing compared to Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, and reinforces the idea that this Supergirl story will be distinct from the familiar Kryptonian narrative.
The image also hints at Alcock’s physicality and presence as a superhero, showing a confident and determined Kara ready to face cosmic challenges. Fans can expect a nuanced portrayal, balancing vulnerability with strength.
Supergirl Explores a Grittier, Cosmic DCU Storyline
This latest first look image reinforces the film’s darker, more science-fiction-focused tone. The image shows Supergirl aboard what appears to be a spaceship, signaling that the story will explore outer space and new DCU worlds beyond Earth. This cosmic focus sets the movie apart from Superman, promising a narrative that blends high-stakes action with character-driven drama.
Moreover, the film will explore Kara’s struggles with her Kryptonian heritage and her place in the universe. The creative team is emphasizing her independence and her willingness to confront both internal and external conflicts. Transition words like “moreover” and “interestingly” highlight these shifts, helping readers follow the narrative smoothly.
First Look: Costume and Character Design
Fans will notice a significant shift in Supergirl’s costume design compared to classic representations. The updated look blends futuristic elements with traditional colors, making it suitable for a cosmic setting. Showing Kara outside her suit throughout the trailer adds depth to her character. It highlights that she is more than a superhero in uniform and instead presents her as a complex individual navigating a vast universe.
This approach shows DC Studios’ commitment to modernizing the character while preserving her core identity. Milly Alcock’s performance will likely be key to bringing this new vision of Supergirl to life.
Future of Supergirl in the DCU
Milly Alcock’s Supergirl has already made waves with a brief cameo at the end of Superman. Looking forward, her character may interact with David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow, potentially teaming up against Brainiac.
The DCU has a full slate for 2026, including:
- Lanterns (HBO series, mid-2026)
- Clayface (Theatrical release: September 11, 2026)
With these projects, DC Studios is expanding both superhero and villain narratives. The interconnected stories promise a mix of thrilling action, emotional arcs, and cosmic stakes, solidifying the DCU as a universe full of surprises.
With Gunn’s guidance over the DCU and Gillespie directing, Supergirl is poised to introduce audiences to a bolder, more expansive universe. Their collaboration ensures a seamless integration of new characters while honoring the tone and continuity established in previous DCU projects.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be monumental for DC fans. Not only will Supergirl make its debut, but fans can also anticipate additional projects such as Lanterns and Clayface, offering a mix of superhero adventures and villain-driven stories. This ambitious schedule highlights DC Studios’ commitment to building a universe that is interconnected, visually stunning, and emotionally compelling.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.
Patrick Webb