James Gunn clarifies Supergirl will be inspired by Woman of Tomorrow, not a direct adaptation
The upcoming Supergirl film in the DC Universe (DCU) will take significant inspiration from the acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, but it will not be an exact page-for-page adaptation, Sportskeeda reports, with DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn comparing the approach to how Guardians of the Galaxy was translated to the big screen rather than simply copied.
Set for release on 26 June 2026, Supergirl represents the second major theatrical entry in the revamped DCU under Gunn and Peter Safran following 2025’s Superman. While the comic book source by Tom King and Bilquis Evely has provided a rich emotional and narrative foundation, Gunn has emphasised that the film seeks to capture its essence, themes and tone rather than replicate each event exactly.
“It’s a space adventure,” Gunn has said, likening the forthcoming Supergirl to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise in terms of its cosmic scope and character-driven story. He suggested that, analogous to Guardians, the film will weave together its own unique cinematic identity while honouring the spirit of its source material.
A Grittier Superhero with Depth
Unlike prior portrayals of the heroine, DC’s Kara Zor-El, portrayed by House of the Dragon alumna Milly Alcock, is set to be a more complex and hardened figure. Gunn has highlighted that, unlike Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving adoptive parents, Supergirl experienced profound trauma, surviving for years on a fragment of Krypton as she watched her world fall apart. This backstory fuels her journey in space and her moral complexity, forming a stark contrast with her cousin’s more hopeful origin.
While the comic on which the film is based revolves around Kara’s reluctant partnership with a young alien girl, Ruthye, on a quest for vengeance, Gunn’s version will reconfigure elements, including introducing characters like Lobo, played by Jason Momoa, to help shape a more traditional three-act cinematic framework.
The inclusion of Lobo, a character not originally in the Woman of Tomorrow miniseries, underscores the adaptive liberties taken in the film. Gunn described Lobo as “one of the greatest comic characters ever seen on film” and a useful addition to craft a coherent narrative arc suited to cinema, rather than strictly following the somewhat episodic nature of the comic series.
Casting and Creative Team
Directed by Craig Gillespie and scripted by Ana Nogueira, Supergirl has already wrapped principal photography, with production having taken place in the United Kingdom earlier in 2025. Alongside Alcock and Momoa, the cast includes Eve Ridley as Ruthye and Matthias Schoenaerts as the villainous Krem of the Yellow Hills.
As the DCU continues to redefine its cinematic tapestry, Supergirl aims to balance reverence for beloved comic narratives with fresh storytelling approaches. By anchoring the film in character and cosmic adventure rather than strict adaptation, Gunn and his team hope to expand the superhero genre while remaining loyal to the emotional heart of the source material.
