Supergirl has sparked plenty of discussion since arriving in theaters, with fans continuing to debate several creative decisions. While many viewers have focused on the finished version, a new report suggests the film was once very different before its release.
According to a recent report, DC Studios reportedly tested multiple versions of the movie during post-production. Those alternate edits may have changed the film’s pacing, character focus, and several key story moments. DC Studios ultimately selected a different version for theaters.
Supergirl Report Claims DC Studios Tested Multiple Versions of the Film
According to The Hollywood Reporter, DC Studios reportedly began expressing concerns about Supergirl shortly after principal photography wrapped in May 2025. The report claims the studio’s biggest concerns centered on the film’s final battle and its musical score.
The report also states that James Gunn and director Craig Gillespie reportedly disagreed over using “needle drops” in key scenes.
As a result, the report claims DC Studios organized at least four test screenings between December 2025 and March 2026. During those screenings, audiences reportedly watched two different edits of the film.
According to the report, Tatiana S. Riegel edited one version, while Fred Raskin edited another. Raskin frequently collaborates with James Gunn and Quentin Tarantino.
Test screenings are a standard part of the filmmaking process, especially for major superhero releases. Studios often use audience feedback to evaluate pacing, emotional impact, and character development. They then finalize the version that will be released in theaters. In some cases, these screenings can lead to notable changes between early cuts and the finished film.
Alternate Supergirl Cut Included More Character Moments
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Craig Gillespie’s version of Supergirl reportedly ran 11 minutes longer than the theatrical release.
The report states that the longer cut gave Krem of the Yellow Hills more screen time. It also expanded several story sequences that were later removed or shortened.
Filmmaker Paul Moore said he attended one of the test screenings. He claimed the extended version showed Kara Zor-El “out of commission” for longer. It also included more conversations between Kara and Ruthye.
Another Threads user, yomi_onakireheme, reportedly supported Moore’s account. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter also reported that the longer version dedicated more screen time to Krem than audiences ultimately saw in theaters.
According to the report, these additional scenes focused more heavily on Kara’s emotional recovery and her developing relationship with Ruthye. Supporters of the longer version believe those moments added emotional depth, while critics argued they slowed the pace of the overall story.
Likewise, Krem’s expanded role reportedly provided additional context for the film’s central conflict. The added material may have offered a more complete picture of the villain’s motivations, although it also increased the film’s runtime.
Report Reveals Additional Scenes Cut Before Release
Journalist Dan Marcus also shared details from a February test screening. According to his account, the movie originally opened with the Argo City sequence instead of the final theatrical opening.
Marcus further claimed that one scene showed Krem telling Ruthye he intended to make her his “bride” after discussing his own abusive childhood. According to the report, this sequence was ultimately removed before the film reached theaters.
These reported changes suggest the filmmakers adjusted several character moments and story beats during post-production. They expanded some scenes and removed others to create a faster-paced theatrical version.
Report Suggests the Longer Supergirl Cut May Have Received Similar Criticism
Interestingly, The Hollywood Reporter noted that many viewers criticized the same elements that the alternate cut reportedly emphasized even more.
Some viewers felt Kara Zor-El appeared “ineffective rather than troubled,” arguing that the character spent too much of the story recovering instead of actively driving the narrative.
According to the report, releasing the longer version may have amplified those criticisms because it reportedly contained even more scenes emphasizing Kara’s physical and emotional struggles. While those additions may have strengthened the emotional side of the story, they also could have affected the film’s pacing for some audiences.
Even so, some fans believe the alternate version deserves to be released. They argue that the additional footage could provide greater context for several character decisions and relationships. Others, however, believe the theatrical cut ultimately benefited from a tighter structure and quicker pacing.
As discussion continues online, some viewers have begun using #ReleaseTheGillespieCut, hoping DC Studios will eventually release Craig Gillespie’s reported version of the film. However, the studio has not announced any plans to make an alternate cut available.
For now, the reported differences remain based on industry reporting and accounts from people who claim to have attended test screenings. Until DC Studios officially comments, many of the reported changes remain unconfirmed.
Supergirl is currently playing in theaters.
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Patrick Webb