The dark reason Supergirl will be so different to Superman

by

If you thought the fresh face of DCU’s Supergirl would simply be a mirror image of Superman, reconsider that notion. According to James Gunn, she’s actually quite a complex character with a mysterious, potentially ominous backstory.

The Man of Steel, Superman, is making a grand return! David Corenswet has now donned the iconic red boots, signifying his role as Superman in the newly released film, which serves as the beginning of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s revamped DC Universe.

The movie has had a strong beginning, raking in $217 million at the worldwide box office during its first weekend, suggesting positive prospects for upcoming DC Universe productions.

In the movie, it’s Milly Alcock who plays the character of Kara Zor-El, a role typically associated with Supergirl. Although she is Superman’s cousin, the film appears to be a grittier portrayal focusing on an outsider. [Minor spoiler alert for Superman fans:] The storyline might delve into some aspects related to Superman.

Why Supergirl will be darker than Superman

In a quick appearance towards the end of Superman, Alcock’s version of Supergirl visits the Fortress of Solitude to retrieve her pet, Krypto – and she seems to be inebriated or out of it.

First look at Milly Alcock in her ‘SUPERGIRL’ suit

— ScreenTime (@screentime) July 14, 2025

In an interview with ScreenRant, it was revealed that the version of Supergirl presented in her upcoming film will closely reflect her backstory, as she’s had a challenging childhood compared to her cousin.

Indeed, that’s her. She seems to be in disarray. To put it bluntly, she appears to have a vastly distinct upbringing compared to Superman. Her background appears to be significantly more challenging,” Gunn stated.

His childhood was nurtured beautifully by parents who adored him and were in excellent health. In contrast, his cousin’s background was vastly dissimilar. As a result, they have turned out to be quite distinct individuals.

Instead of growing up in Kansas with two compassionate farmers, Kara Zor-El actually spent her early years on the fragments of Krypton, experiencing the destruction of her home planet and undergoing severe distress before eventually finding herself on Earth.

As an infant, Clark Kent arrived with time to develop his abilities amidst warmth and security, whereas Kara came as a teenager, her development influenced by sorrow and upheaval.

As a gamer putting myself in these iconic characters’ shoes, I’d say that what sets Superman and Supergirl apart is their unique perspectives on the world. For me as Superman, I’ve witnessed humanity at its finest, which fuels my unwavering hope. On the other hand, when I step into the role of Supergirl, particularly in Tom King’s Woman of Tomorrow comics, I see the universe at its darkest, shaping my perspective to be more guarded and resilient.

In a twist that excites me as a fan, it seems the Supergirl we know will be far from familiar in the upcoming DCU movie. This transformation was confirmed by James Gunn back in 2023, who shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “She’s much grittier and not the innocent Supergirl we’ve grown accustomed to.

In contrast, Superman, nurtured by caring parents since his infancy on Earth, will be compared to Supergirl. She was born on a planet called Krypton, essentially a miniature version of it, and for the first 14 years of her life, she witnessed numerous deaths and tragedies before coming to Earth.

At present, you can catch Superman in movie theaters. On June 26, 2026, keep an eye out for Supergirl’s release. Until that date, explore where to stream Superman online, its running time, information on its post-credit scenes, and our review of Superman movies, ranked.

You could explore the reasons why Robert Pattinson is an excellent fit as DCU’s Batman, and what The Man of Steel excelled at compared to Gunn’s film.

This version maintains the original meaning while making it more accessible for readers by using simpler language and a conversational tone.

Read More

2025-07-14 12:48