The Supergirl movie continues to generate strong excitement within the DCU. However, director Craig Gillespie has revealed an unexpected creative decision that sets this adaptation apart. Interestingly, he initially avoided reading the original Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic before developing the film.
Instead, he focused on the script and emotional tone first, which allowed him to shape the movie from a more character-driven perspective. As a result, the early creative process became more independent and exploratory.
Supergirl Director’s Unusual Creative Decision
Craig Gillespie explained that he intentionally stayed away from the source material at first. Although the film is based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed comic, he deliberately avoided early influence from it.
He said:
“I very deliberately didn’t look at Tom King’s book when I first got the script.”
Instead, he focused on Ana Nogueira’s script, which gave him a strong emotional base to build from. Moreover, this approach helped him prioritize character depth over direct adaptation choices. It also allowed him to interpret Kara Zor-El in a more grounded and human way before referencing the comic version.
Building the World of Supergirl First
Gillespie wanted to develop the film’s emotional and visual identity before comparing it to the source material. As a result, he concentrated heavily on tone, atmosphere, and the emotional journey of Kara Zor-El.
He explained:
“I went off of Ana’s script and there was a grit to that and I really wanted to come from character. [Kara’s] going to all of these different worlds that are on the fringe of society.”
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of texture and realism in the film’s environments. He added:
“I wanted to feel the poverty, I wanted to feel the crime and the dust and the texture.”
Because of this approach, the film aims to present a darker and more grounded cosmic experience compared to traditional superhero storytelling. Furthermore, it strengthens Kara’s emotional arc as she moves through harsh and unfamiliar worlds.
Creating a Unique Visual Identity for Supergirl
Before revisiting the comic, Gillespie focused on building a strong visual identity for the film. He assembled around 120 reference images, which he later presented to DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
This step helped define the tone, color palette, and overall atmosphere early in development. In addition, it allowed the creative team to align on a clear vision before finalizing story influences.
He aimed to create:
“a space we hadn’t felt before.”
Only after completing this extensive visual development process did he return to Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Consequently, the comic became a guide rather than the starting point of inspiration.
Comic Origins and DCU Adaptation Changes
The original Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic ran from 2021 to 2022. Tom King wrote the comic, while Bilquis Evely provided the illustrations. Over time, it became one of DC’s most critically praised modern comic series due to its emotional storytelling and unique tone.
Interestingly, Tom King originally envisioned the story as a team-up involving Lobo. However, the team later removed that idea during the development of the comic.
Now, the upcoming film restores that concept in a new way. Jason Momoa is set to play Lobo, marking his official DCU debut. This addition is expected to significantly expand the film’s scale and intensity, while also staying true to early creative ideas.
Cast and Release Information
Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, and she is expected to return in future DCU projects, including Man of Tomorrow. Her casting has already generated strong interest among fans, especially due to the film’s darker tone and emotional storytelling focus.
Supergirl is scheduled to release in theaters on June 26, 2026. As anticipation continues to grow, the film is shaping up to be a major entry in the evolving DCU slate.
Craig Gillespie’s creative approach highlights a bold and slightly unconventional direction. By avoiding the comic initially, he prioritized emotion, tone, and world-building before structure. Then, he later aligned those ideas with the source material.
As a result, Supergirl is expected to deliver a fresh and visually distinct experience within the DCU. At the same time, it still respects the core essence of its acclaimed comic origins, creating a balanced adaptation that fans are eagerly waiting to see.
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